The PUDUCHERRY HINDU RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS ACT, 1972
puducherry · 1972
The scanned source for this Act is imperfect — headings or section boundaries may be off. Verify against the official source.
- S. 1The Act came into force on the 1st July 1975 vide Notification in Extraordinary Gazette No
- S. 2Substituted by Act 13 of 1973, section 3
- S. 3The section empowers the government to appoint a Commissioner to oversee and manage Hindu religious institutions.
- S. 3ASection 3A establishes the administration of Hindu institutions in Puducherry under the control of a government-appointed Board of Trustees.
- S. 4Board of Trustees
- S. 5Section 5 of the PUDUCHERRY HINDU RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS ACT, 1972 disqualifies certain individuals from being trustees of Hindu religious institutions and mandates their removal if disqualified.
- S. 5AThe section allows the government to remove or dismiss a trustee for failing to fulfill duties, disobeying orders, neglecting duties, or misappropriating properties.
- S. 5BThe section allows the government to replace a Board that fails to perform duties or misuses powers, after giving trustees a chance to respond.
- S. 6Section 6 outlines the meeting procedures and leadership succession for the Board of Hindu religious institutions in Puducherry.
- S. 7Section 7 ensures that any actions by the Board remain valid despite vacancies or constitutional defects.
- S. 8(1) the trustee of every institution shall be bound to abide by all orders issued under the provisions of this Act
- S. 9Section 9 allows the government to appoint an Executive Officer to manage religious institutions' properties and report to the Board.
- S. 10Section 10 allows the Board to appoint necessary officers and employees for efficient functioning, subject to prescribed conditions and remuneration.
- S. 11Section 11 mandates Hindu religious institutions with an Executive Officer to annually contribute to the government an amount equivalent to the officer's pay and benefits.
- S. 12Section 12 mandates religious institutions to remit contributions to the government within 30 days or face recovery as land revenue arrear.
- S. 13Section 13 mandates annual budget submission and financial reporting for maintenance, liabilities, and reserves for religious institutions in Puducherry.
- S. 14Section 14 mandates institutions to maintain and audit financial records, with government-appointed auditors, and pay a fee for auditing based on income.
- S. 15Section 15 mandates the auditor to report on irregular or illegal expenditures and other financial misconduct by trustees of Hindu institutions in Puducherry.
- S. 16(1) After completing the audit for any year or part thereof, the auditor shall send a report to the Commissioner
- S. 17Section 17 allows the Commissioner to surcharge and recover funds or property lost by a Board or trustee due to misconduct.
- S. 18Section 18 mandates that a Board must get written approval from the Commissioner before borrowing or lending money, with the Commissioner setting any conditions.
- S. 19Section 19 allows the Board to use funds for pilgrim safety and training of religious staff, and to set service fees.
- S. 20Section 20 empowers the Board to set fees for services in institutions and decide how much, if any, goes to staff.
- S. 21Section 21 mandates institutions to maintain a detailed register of their assets, history, and officers, for annual approval by the Commissioner.
- S. 22The President of the Board updates the register annually and submits it to the Commissioner for record.
- S. 22AThe Commissioner can enter any institution premises at reasonable times to exercise powers or duties under the Act, with police assistance if resisted.
- S. 23Section 23 allows the Commissioner to inspect religious institution properties and records, and to recover losses from misappropriated funds.
- S. 24Section 24 allows appeals to the Government against certain Commissioner orders, with a hearing opportunity.
- S. 24AThe Commissioner can review and potentially modify Board decisions on religious institutions, ensuring due process and timely application.
- S. 25Section 25 prohibits long-term transactions of Hindu institution properties without Commissioner's approval and mandates conditions on approved transactions.
- S. 26Section 26 mandates government approval for any legal actions initiated or withdrawn by the Board.
- S. 27Section penalizes non-compliance with specific provisions, imposing up to one year imprisonment or a fine up to ₹1,000.
- S. 28Section 28 imposes penalties for violating the PUDUCHERRY HINDU RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS ACT, including imprisonment or fines.
- S. 29Section 29 prohibits courts from investigating offenses under this Act without prior government approval.
- S. 30Section 30 preserves customary honors and religious functions in Hindu institutions.
- S. 31(1) The Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act
- S. 32Section 32 repeals old French laws governing Hindu institutions in Puducherry but preserves existing rights, liabilities, and ongoing legal proceedings.