Karnataka temple tax Bill sent to President for approval amid political row

A controversial bill seeking to impose a tax on wealthy temples in Karnataka has been forwarded by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to President Droupadi Murmu for final approval. The move follows weeks of political tension after the Governor returned the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to the state government for clarification.

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Passed by both Houses of the Karnataka Legislature earlier this year, the bill had been in limbo since March. The Governor’s decision to escalate it to the President aligns with a recent Supreme Court directive requiring Governors to act within a fixed timeline on bills passed by state assemblies. The President now has three months to decide.

The bill proposes a 5% tax on temples earning between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore, and 10% on those earning over ₹1 crore annually. According to the state government, funds collected will be deposited into a consolidated fund aimed at supporting financially weak temples, underprivileged priests, and education for their children. It will also assist 'C category' temples earning below ₹5 lakh per year.

However, the bill has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which labeled it “anti-Hindu”, warning of possible fraud, unrest, and fund misuse.