Bengaluru, May 24 (UNI) Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has reserved the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024 for the consideration of the President of India, citing potential constitutional complications and restrictions.

This move effectively puts on hold the state government’s efforts to implement amendments aimed at enhancing temple contributions to the common fund and reforming the administrative framework of Hindu religious institutions.

The bill, passed by the Karnataka Assembly on March 6, 2024, and re-submitted to the Governor on May 16, 2025, seeks to raise the mandatory contribution of high-income generating temples, those with an annual gross income exceeding ₹1 crore, to 10 per cent of their income. The increased contribution is intended to bolster the common pool fund used for managing and supporting various religious and charitable activities across the state.

In addition to financial provisions, the bill proposes grant-in-aid benefits exclusively to notified Category-C institutions, defined as temples with low income or needy circumstances. It also mandates that four general members of temple management committees possess specialised knowledge in Vishwakarma Hindu temple architecture and sculpture, aiming to preserve heritage craftsmanship.

While the bill does not explicitly contain provisions that directly hurt Hindu sentiments, they may be viewed as sensitive or controversial by some Hindu outfits.

These include the increased financial burden on wealthy temples due to higher mandatory contributions, perceived excessive state control over temple funds and administration, restricting grants only to low-income temples, which could upset other institutions, and the requirement for committee members to have specific expertise, which may be seen as exclusionary.

Governor Gehlot's order noted, "I am of the opinion that instead of giving assent to the proposed bill, I would deem fit to reserve this bill for the kind consideration of the Honourable President to avoid more constitutional complications, since it involves constitutional restrictions as well as scrutiny." The constitutional concerns suggest possible infringements on religious autonomy, a sensitive issue under India's constitutional framework.

Given these concerns, opposition parties are expected to argue that the bill represents undue government interference in religious affairs and temple finances, potentially hurting Hindu sentiments and traditions. This criticism is likely to resonate strongly in the politically sensitive context of religious reforms.

The Governor's move is expected to fuel further debate on state control over religious endowments and the balance between reform and religious freedom.

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