On Wednesday, the Legislative Assembly was informed by the Karnataka Government that according to the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act 2002, all the non-Hindus cannot conduct business around or inside the Hindu religious institution premises.
Law Minister JC Madhuswamy has said “As per rule number 12 under the act, non-Hindus are barred from the premises to do business in and around the premises. However, if it is beyond the Hindu religious area, we will initiate action against those who are putting up these banners and posters.” He added that as per law, the government cannot interfere in temple committees decisions.
Law Minister Madhuswamy also said “As per the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act and rules that were framed in 2002, it is prohibited to lease out a space near a Hindu religious institution to a person of another faith. If these recent incidents of banning Muslim traders hace occured outside the premises of the religious institutions, we will rectify. Otherwise, as per norms, no other community is allowed to set up shop on the premises.”
