Karnataka Assembly Passes Bill For Stopping Demolition Of Religious Structures: Report

The Karnataka legislative assembly led by Chief Minister (CM) Basavaraj Bommai has passed the Karnataka Religious Structures (Protection) Bill, 2021 that aims to put a break over the temple demolition drive in the southern state.

The enactment clarifies that that government will be protecting religious centres in accordance with the given guidelines irrespective of the legal provisions of the laws as well as orders issued by courts, jurisprudence and authorities.

Upon the implementation of the act, the entire process of vacating, shifting and demolishing religious centres on public properties will be stopped.

The bill however would have to be passed in the legislative council of the state assembly.

CM Bommai revealed that around 161 temples, masjids, and dargahs have been demolished in Mysuru from 2010-19.

“If you fix responsibility on ruling BJP for the demolition of a temple in Mysuru, who will you hold responsible for these demolitions,” he probed the opposition in the assembly, as reported by the Economic Times.

He added, “Words are dangerous, we should use them carefully over sensitive issue.”

Under the bill, protection is assured to all religious centres that have been set up in public properties without permission and are now facing the threat of demolition.