In news– Karnataka Religious Structures (Protection) Act has come into effect recently. It aims to protect religious structures in public places by preventing demolition. The Karnataka Religious Structures (Protection) Bill was introduced in a hurried manner in Karnataka Assembly due to a recent demolition of a temple in Nanjangud in Mysuru district.
Key provisions of the Act-
- It defines an illegal religious structure as a “temple, church, mosque, gurudwara, Bodh vihar, Majar etc, constructed on a public place without authority of law”.
- The Act bars construction of any religious structures on public places by the government or local authority without proper permission in future.
- It seeks to protect government actions taken (by officials) in good faith on religious structures.
- It says that no suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the state government or any officer or other employees of the state government for anything which is done in good faith or intended to be done under this Act
- The act further says that the district administration may allow religious activity in such protected structures, subject to custom, law, usage, and any other conditions as may be laid down by the state government from time to time.
Extrareading: https://journalsofindia.com/places-of-worship-special-provisions-act-1991/
Source: Indian Express
