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The KARNATAKA PROHIBITION OF BEGGARY ACT, 1975

Karnataka · state statute
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THE KARNATAKA PROHIBITION OF BEGGARY ACT, 1975 
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS 
Statement of Object and Reasons 
Sections : 
CHAPTER  I 
PRELIMINARY 
 1. Short title, extent and commencement. 
CHAPTER  II 
DEFINITIONS 
 2. Definitions. 
CHAPTER  III 
PROHIBITION OF BEGGING 
 3. Begging prohibited. 
CHAPTER  IV 
CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION 
 4. Central Relief Committee. 
 5. Local Committees. 
 6. Local administration. 
CHAPTER  V 
INSTITUTIONS 
 7. Receiving Centres. 
 8. Relief Centres. 
 9. Management of institutions. 
 10. Enforcement of descipline. 
CHAPTER  VI 
PROCEDURE AND PUNISHMENTS 
 11. Arrest and enquiry. 
 12. Magistrate to send beggar to the relief centre. 
 13. Infirm, disabled and decrepit beggers and persons suffering from any incurable 
disease to be arrested and sent to receiving centres. 
 14. Medical examination and detention of leprosy patients and lunatics. 
 15. Beggar to leave Institution on discharge or permission. 
 16. Absconding beggars how  to be dealt with. 
 17. Abettors to be punished with imprisonment or fine or both. 
 18. Refusal of a beggar to go to an institution or to a Magistrate punishable with 
imprisonment or fine or both. 
CHAPTER  VII 
MISCELLANEOUS 
 19. Transfer from one Institution to another. 
 20. Temporary release of beggars. 
 21. Uncondtional release of beggars. 
 2
 22. Transfer between relief centres in the State and institutions of a  like nature  in 
other States of India. 
 23. Offences under this Act congnizable. 
 24. Fines. 
 25. Priority for cases under the Act. 
 26. Power to acquire property etc. 
 27. Appointment of officers. 
 28. Protection of officers. 
 29. Public servant. 
 30. Central Relief Fund. 
 31. Beggary cess. 
 32. Board of Visitors. 
 33. Revision. 
 34. Appeal. 
 35. Charge for misconduct. 
 36. Publication of annual accounts. 
 37. Administration Report. 
CHPTER  VIII 
CONTROL 
 38. Powers of Government. 
 39. Disputes. 
 40. Rules. 
 41. Repeal. 
  SCHEDULE 
* * * * 
STATEMENTS OF OBJECTS AND REASONS 
I 
 Act 27 of 1975.- There are four different enactments in the different areas of the 
State relating to prohibition of beggary. It is considered necessary to have a uniform 
law on the subject to the whole of the State of Mysore. Hence the Bill.  
 (Published in the Karnataka Gazette (Extraordinary) Part IV-2A dated  27-2-1973 
as No. 209 at page 20.)  
II 
 Amending Act 7 of 1982.- In order that the provisions of the Prohibition of 
Beggary Act are more effectively implemented it was considered necessay to have a 
more compact Central Relief Committee. It is also proposed to have a small 
committee to administer the Central Relief Fund. 
 It was also considered necessary to provide for the enhancment of the period of 
detention in  a relief center for contravention of the provisions of the Act from six 
months to one year. 
 An ordinance was promulgated to provide for the above matters. 
 This Bill seeks to replace the Ordinance. 
 3
 (Published in the Karnataka Gazette (Extraordinary) Part IV-2A dated  3-2-1982 
as No. 76 at page 4.)  
III 
 Amending Act 12 of 1988.-  Section 19 of the Karnataka Prohibition of Beggary 
Act, 1975 is intended to be amended to give powers to Chairman of Central Relief 
Committee to transfer the Beggars from one Institution to another receiving centre, 
relief centre, in the State. 
 Section 22 of the Act is intended to be amended to give powers to Chairman, 
Central Relief Committee instead of the Government to enable inter-state transfer  
of of beggars between relief centres.    
Hence,  the Bill. 
 (Published in the Karnataka Gazette (Extraordinary) Part IV-2A dated  23-1-1988 
as No. 57 at page 3.)    
IV 
Amending Act 26 of 2003.-  It is considered necessary to amend the Karnataka 
Prohibition of Beggary Act, 1975.- 
          (i) to require that the Bond executed by any person under sub-section (4) or by 
surety under surety under sub-section (5) of section 11 shall be for a sum of rupees 
one thousand and two thousand respectively. 
         (ii) to specify that the period of detention of a beggar under section 12 may 
extend to three years instead of twelve months with a minimum period of one year. 
         (iii)to specify that the period of detention of inform, disabled and dicrepit 
beggars and persons suffering from any incurable disease, under section 13 may 
extend to three years instead of twelve months with a minimum period of one year. 
        (iv) to empower the Government to direct any person having custody of the fund 
of the local authority to pay the balance amount due to the central Relief Fund and to 
provide that if the amount is not paid in complaince with such order to recover it as 
an arrears of land revenue. 
         Hence the Bill. 
(Vide L.A. Bill No. 15 of 2002, File No. SAMVYASHAE 02 SHASANA 2002) 
* * * * 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4
KARNATAKA ACT NO. 27 OF 1975 
(First published in the Karnataka Gazette on the Nineteenth day of June, 1975) 
THE KARNATAKA PROHIBITION OF BEGGARY ACT, 1975 
(Received the assent of the Governor on the sixth day of  June 1975). 
(As Amended by Acts 7 of 1982 , 12 of 1988 and 26 of 2003) 
 An Act to prohibit persons from resorting to begging and to provide for the 
detention, training and employment of beggars, for the custody, trial and punishment  
of beggar offenders and for the relief and rehabilitation of such persons in the State 
of Karnataka. 
 W HEREAS  it is necessary and expedient to prohibit persons from resorting  to 
begging and to provide for the detention, training and employment of beggars, for the 
custody, trial and punishment of beggar offenders and for the relief and rehabilitation 
of such persons in the State of Karnataka; 
BE it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the Twenty-sixth Year of the 
Republic of India as follows:- 
CHAPTEER  I 
PRELIMINARY 
 1. Short title, extent and commencement.- (1)  This Act may be called the 
Karnataka Prohibition of Beggary Act, 1975. 
 (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Karnataka. 
 (3) It shall come into force in such areas of the State on such 1[dates]1 as the 
State Government may, by notification appoint and different dates may be appointed 
for different areas: 
 Provided that the provisions of this Act shall not be brought into force in any 
area unless the State Government is satisfied that suitable facilities exist for the relief 
of the beggars of that area. 
  1. The Act has been brought into force in cert ain areas of the State w.e.f. 1.4.1976 through 
Notification No. SWD 5 SBR 76 d t. 26.3.1976 and in the rest of the areas w.e.f. 6.11.1997 
through Notification No. SWD 15 SBR 97 (1) dt. 28.8.1997 
CHAPTER  II 
DEFINITIONS 
 2. Definitions.-  In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,- 
 (1) “alms” means anything given grat uitously to a beggar, such as money, 
cooked or un-cooked food, grains or clothing, or any other thing of value; 
 (2) “beggar” means any person other than a child who,- 
  (a) solicits or receives alms in a public place whether or not under any 
pretence such as singing, dancing, fortune telling,  performing tricks, or selling 
articles; 
  (b) enters any private premises for the purpose of soliciting or receiving 
alms; 
  (c) exposes or exhibits with the object of obtaining or extorting alms, any 
sore, wound, injury, deformity or disease whether of a human being or of an animal; 
  (d) having no visible means of subsistence, wanders about or remains in any 
public place in such condition or manner as ma kes it likely that he exists by soliciting 
or receiving alms; 
 5
  (e) allows himself to be used as an exhibit for the purpose of soliciting or 
receiving alms: 
Provided that a person shall not be deemed to be a beggar if he,- 
   (i) is a religious mendicant licensed by the Central Relief Committee to 
solicit alms in the prescribed manner ; 
   (ii) in the performance of any religious vow or obligation as sanctioned by 
custom or religion collects alms in a private or public place, without being a nuisance; 
or 
   (iii) is permitted in writing by the Central Relief Committee to collect 
contributions in cash or kind from the public for any public institution, whether 
religious or secular or for the furtherance of any object for the good of the public; or 
   (iv) is a student collecting alms for the prosecution of his studies; 
 (3) “Central Relief Committee” means the committee constituted by the 
Government under section 4; 
 (4) “child” means a boy, who has not attained the age of sixteen years, or a girl, 
who has not attained the age of eighteen years; 
 (5) “Government” means the State Government; 
 (6) “institution” includes a receiving centre, a relief centre, colony, settlement 
area or any other institution declared to be such by the Government; 
 (7) “local area” means an area declared as such by the Government from time to 
time for the purposes of this Act by a notification; 
 (8) “local committee” means the committee appointed by the Central Relief 
Committee for any local area; 
 (9) “notification” means a notification published in the official Gazette; 
 (10) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; 
 (11) “public place” means any place intended for the use of or accessible to the 
public and includes any public conveyance; 
 (12) “receiving centre” means a centre established by the Central Relief 
Committee for the reception and temporary retention of beggars; and 
 (13) “Relief centre” means a centre established by the Central Relief Committee 
for the relief of beggars sent thereto. 
CHAPTER  III 
PROHIBITION OF BEGGING 
 3. Begging prohibited.- No person shall beg in the areas in which this Act is in 
force. 
CHAPTER  IV 
CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION 
 4. Central Relief Committee.- (1)  The Government may by notification 
constitute a Central Relief Committee (hereunder referred to as the Committee). 
 1[(2) The Committee shall consist of,- 
  (a) The Secretary to Government Social  ... Member 
   Welfare and Labour Department. 
  (b) The Director of Social Welfare in   ... Member 
   Karnataka 
 
 6
  (c) The Secretary to Government,  ... Member 
   Finance Department 
  (d) Four non-official members nominated ... Members 
   by the Government 
 The Government may appoint one of the Members of the Committee as its 
Chairman and appoint a Secretary who may or may not be a member of the 
Committee. 
 (3) Subject to the pleasure of the State Government, the term of the office of the 
non-official members shall be for a period of three years: 
 Provided that if a non-official member of the Committee absents himself without 
permission of the Committee for two consecutive meetings of the Committee, he 
shall cease to be a member. 
 (4) (a) Casual or other vacancies in the Committee shall be filled by the 
Government in the prescribed manner. 
  (b) During any vacancy in the Committee the continuing members may act as 
if no vacancy had occured. 
 (5) The non-official members shall be paid  such remuneration and allowances as 
may be prescribed. 
 (6) The Committee shall meet at least once in two months.] 1 
  1. Sub-sections (2) to (6) Substituted by Act 7 of 1982 w.e.f. 1.10.1981 
 (7) Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder, the 
supervision, direction and control of all matters relating to the administration of relief 
shall vest in the Committee. 
 5. Local Committees.- The Committee, may for the purposes of carrying out the 
provisions of this Act in any local area constitute as prescribed a local committee. 
 6. Local  administration.- (1)  Subject to the control of the Central Relief 
Committee and the rules made in this behalf, the administration of relief to the 
beggars in any local area shall be vested in the local committee. 
 (2) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act in any part of a local 
area, the local committee may constitute such sub-committees as may be prescribed. 
CHAPTER  V 
INSTITUTIONS 
 7. Receiving Centres.- The Central Relief Committee may provide receiving 
centres for the reception and temporary retention of beggars or it may by notification 
declare any institution to be a receiving centre for the purposes of this Act. 
 8. Relief Centres.- The Central Relief Committee may establish institutions, in 
such places as may be deemed necessary for the detention, relief and rehabilitation 
of persons contravening the provisions of section 3 and sent thereto or it may by 
notification declare any existing institution as a relief centre. 
 9. Management of institutions.- (1)  Subject to the provisions of this Act, the 
Central Relief Committee shall make provision for the proper management of 
institutions and for the care of the inmates therein. 
 (2) Every person detained in any of the institutions shall be subject to such rules 
of discipline as may be prescribed. 
 Explanation.- 'Discipline' includes the enforcement of manual labour and hard 
labour. 
 7
 10. Enforcement of discipline.- The Central Relief Committee may authorise the 
officer-in-charge of any institution to enforce discipline in such institution in the 
manner prescribed. 
CHAPTER  VI 
PROCEDURE  AND PUNISHMENTS 
 11. Arrest and enquiry.-  (1)  Any police officer or such other officer as may be 
authorised by the Government in this behalf by general or special order who finds 
any person other than a child contravening t he provisions of section 3 shall arrest 
such person and inform him of the grounds for such arrest and remove him 
immediately to the nearest receiving centre. 
 (2) The officer-in-charge of the receivi ng centre shall thereupon without delay, 
hold such enquiry as may be prescribed and if satisfied that the person, if released, 
will not resort to begging shall release him forthwith, with or without surety. 
 (3) If the person arrested under sub-section (1) is not released forthwith under 
sub-section (2) the officer-in-charge of the receiving centre shall produce him before 
the Executive Magistrate or the Judicial Magistrate or the Metropolitan Magistrate 
having jurisdiction, within a period of twenty-four hours of such arrest excluding the 
time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court of such Magistrate 
provided that no person arrested under sub-section (1) shall be detained in custody 
beyond the said period without the authority of a magistrate. 
 (4) The magistrate before whom a person is produced under sub-section (3) shall 
hold an enquiry and if satisfied that such person has committed the offence of 
begging but undertakes not to commit such offence, shall release him on his 
furnishing a bond 
1[for a sum of rupees one thousand]1 
  1. Inserted by Act 26 of 2003 w.e.f. 21.5.2003 
 (5) If any person released  under sub-section (4) is again produced before any 
Executive Magistrate or a Judicial Magi strate or a Metropolitan Magistrate for a 
similar offence, and the contravention of section 3 is proved against him, he shall not 
be released without a surety 
1[for a sum of rupees two thousand]1 
 12. Magistrate to send  beggar to the relief centre.-  (1)  If a person against 
whom action has been taken under section 11 is again produced before a magistrate 
for a similar offence, or on the ground that such person does not or is unable to 
comply with the directions contained in the said section and if the magistrate on 
enquiry finds that the person has contravened the provisions of section 3, he shall 
convict him and pass a sentence of detention in the nearest relief centre for such 
period  
1[which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to three years] 1 
as may be specified in the order. 
  1. Substituted by Act 26 of 2003 w.e.f. 21.5.2003 
 (2) An order of detention passed by a magistrate under  sub-section (1) may at 
any time be revoked or modified. 
 13. Infirm, disabled and decrepit beggars and persons suffering from any 
incurable disease to be arrested and sent to receiving centres.-  (1)  
Notwithstanding anything contained in section 11 where an officer-in-charge of the 
receiving centre in the course of enquiry held in pursuance of sub-section (2) of 
section 11 finds that a person other than a child is infirm, disabled, decrepit or 
suffering from any loathsome or incurable disease he shall ascertain from that person 
if he has any relatives and if there are any, he shall immediately send for them and if 
on enquiry it is found that the person cannot be taken care of, or if there are no 
 8
 relatives, the officer-in-charge of the receiving centre shall, with the report of his 
enquiry, immediately produce him before the Ex ecutive Magistrate or the Judicial 
Magistrate or  the Metropolitan Magistrate having jurisdiction within a period of 
twenty-four hours of his arrest excluding the time necessary for the journey from the 
place of arrest to the court of such magistrate: 
 Provided that no person arrested shall be detained in the custody beyond a period 
of twenty-four hours without the authority of a magistrate. 
 (2) Where a person who is produced under subsection (1) before a magistrate is 
found on enquiry by such magistrate to have contravened the provisions of section 3, 
the magistrate shall convict him and pass sentence of detention in the nearest relief 
centre for such period 1[which shall not be less than one year but which may extend 
to three years]1 as may be specified in the order and an order of detention passed by 
a magistrate may at any time be revoked or modified by such magistrate. 
  1. Substituted by Act 26 of 2003 w.e.f. 21.5.2003 
 14. Medical examination and detention of leprosy patients and lunatics.- (1)  
Where it appears to the Government that any beggar detained in an institution under 
any order of a magistrate is of unsound mind or is suffering from leprosy, the 
Government may, by an order setting forth the grounds for the belief that the beggar 
is of unsound mind or is suffering from leprosy, order his removal to a mental hospital 
or a leper asylum or other place of safe custody, there to be kept and treated as the 
Government directs during the remainder of the term for which he has been ordered 
to be detained, or if on the expiration of that term, it is certified by a medical officer 
that it is necessary for the safety of the beggar or of others that he should be further 
detained under medical care or treatment, then until he is discharged according to 
law. 
 (2) Where it appears to the Government that the beggar has ceased to be of 
unsound mind, or is cured of leprosy, the Government shall, by an order direct the 
person having charge of the beggar if still liable to be kept in custody, send him to the 
institution from which he was removed or if the beggar is no longer liable to be kept in 
custody, order him to be discharged.  
 (3) Subject to the provision of sub-section (2) the provisions of section 31 of the 
Lunacy Act, 1912 (Central Act 4 of 1912) or section 14 of the Lepers Act, 1898 
(Central Act 3 of 1898), or the corresponding provision of any other law in force in 
any area of the State, shall apply to ever y beggar confined in a mental hospital or a 
leper asylum under sub-section (1) after the expiration of the period for which he was 
ordered to be detained; and the time during  which a beggar is confined in a mental 
hospital or leper asylum under that sub-section shall be reckoned as part of the 
period for which he may be ordered by the magistrate to be detained: 
 Provided that where the removal of a beggar due to unsoundness of mind or 
leprosy is immediately necessary, it shall be open to the authorities of the institution 
in which the beggar is detained to apply to a court having jurisdiction under the 
Lunacy Act, 1912 (Central Act 4 of 1912) or the Lepers Act, 1898 (Central Act 3 of 
1898) or under any corresponding law in force in any area of the  State for an 
immediate order of committal to a mental hospital or a leper asylum until such time 
as the orders of the Government can be obtained in the matter. 
 15. Beggar to leave Institution on discharge or permission.- No person who is 
admitted to any Institution shall leave it without an order of discharge or without the 
written permission of the officer-in-charge of the Institution. 
 16. Absconding beggars how to be dealt with.- (1)  On a report from the 
officer-in-charge of any institution that a person has left such institution in 
 9
contravention of section 15, any police officer or such other officer as may be 
authorised by Government in this behalf, shall arrest such person without a warrant 
and inform him of  the grounds for such arrest and remove him immediately to the 
institution which he had left. 
 (2) The officer-in-charge of the institution shall produce him before the Executive 
Magistrate or the Judicial Magistrate or the Metropolitan Magistrate having 
jurisdiction, within a period of twenty-four hours of such arrest excluding the time 
necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court of such magistrate and 
the magistrate shall, after satisfying himself that the said person has contravened the 
provisions of section 15, order him to be delivered to the institution with a warning. 
 (3) Any person dealt with under the provisions of sub-section (1), who absconds 
or takes to begging after he is discharged under section 15 shall be placed before a 
Judicial Magistrate, or Metropolitan Magistrate who after summary trial may convict 
him and sentence him to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months. 
 17. Abettors to be punished with imprisonment or fine or both.-  Whoever 
employs any person to beg or abets such employment, shall be punished on 
conviction by a magistrate with simple or rigorous imprisonment for a term which may 
extend to three months or with fine, which may extend to three hundred rupees or 
with both. 
 18. Refusal of a beggar to go to an institution or to a Magistrate punishable 
with imprisonment or fine or both.-   Any beggar refusing or failing to accompany a 
Police Officer or any officer authorised by the Government in this behalf appear 
before a magistrate or to be taken to an institution when required under this Act, shall 
be punished on conviction by a magistrate with simple imprisonment for a term which 
may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to fifty rupees or with both. 
CHAPTER  VII 
MISCELLANEOUS 
 19. Transfer from one Institution to another.- 1[Chairman of the Central Relief 
Committee]1 may direct any person detained in a receiving centre or relief centre or 
any other institution to be transferred therefrom to another receiving centre, relief 
centre or Institution of a like nature in the State: 
 Provided that the total period of detention of such person shall in no case be 
increased by such transfer. 
  1. Substituted by Act 12 of 1988 w.e.f. 11.5.1988 
 20. Temporary release of beggars.- (1)  The Government or any authority  to 
which the Government may delegate its power in this behalf, may, subject to such 
conditions as may be prescribed, release on parole for such period as it may deem 
necessary any beggar detained in a relief centre in case of any serious illness or 
death of any member of the beggar’s family or any of his nearest relatives or for any 
other sufficient cause. 
 (2)  The period of release of a beggar under sub-section (1) shall not count 
towards the total period of his detention in the relief centre. 
 21. Unconditional release of beggars.-  At any time after the expiration of three 
months from the date on which a beggar is detained in a relief centre, if the officer-in-
charge of such relief centre is satisfied from the conduct of such beggar in such 
centre during the period of his detention that there is a probability that such person 
will abstain from begging, he may recommend to the Government his unconditional 
release and the Government may order the release of such person unconditionally 
 10
and thereupon the term for which such person had been ordered to be detained in a 
relief centre shall be deemed to have expired. 
 22. Transfer between relief centres in the State and institutions of a like 
nature in other States of India.-  (1) The 1[Chairman of the Central Relief 
Committee may] 1, in consultation with the officer-in-charge of a relief centre, order 
the transfer to that relief centre of any person in respect of whom an order of 
detention has been made by a competent authority in any other State in India of the 
nature of an order under this Act directing him to be detained in a relief centre or 
institution of a like nature, and upon such transfer, the provisions of this Act shall 
apply to such person as if he had been directed under this Act to be detained in such 
relief centre by a competent court in the State of Karnataka. 
 (2)  The 1[Chairman of the Central Relief Committee may] 1, direct any person 
detained in a relief centre in the State to be transferred therefrom to any institution of 
a like nature in any other State in India to be detained therein under the provisions of 
law similar to this Act in force in that State: 
 Provided that no person shall be transferred under this section to any other State 
without the consent of the Government of such State. 
 1. Substituted by Act 12 of 1988 w.e.f. 11.5.1988 
 23. Offences under this Act cognizable.-  All offences under this Act shall be 
cognizable. 
 24. Fines.-  Fines recovered under this Act, shall be credited to the Central Relief 
Fund. 
 25. Priority for cases under the Act.-  Notwithstanding anything in the Code of 
Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act 2 of  1974), every court shall, as far as 
possible give precedence to any proceeding under this Act over any other 
proceeding before such court. 
 26. Power to acquire property, etc.-  Subject to the rules made in this behalf the 
Central Relief Committee or any local committee shall have power to acquire 
property, enter into contracts, institute and defend legal proceedings and do all other 
acts incidental  thereto. 
 27. Appointment of officers.-  The Central Relief Committee or the local 
committees with the previous sanction of the Central Relief Committee may appoint 
officers for the purpose of the Act in accordance with the rules prescribed in that 
behalf. 
 28. Protection of officers.- No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall 
lie against any person for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done 
under this Act. 
 29. Public Servant.- Every person empowered to perform any function under this 
Act shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the 
Indian Penal Code (Central Act XLV of 1860). 
 30. Central Relief Fund.-  1[(1)]1  In order to carry out the purposes of this Act, a 
fund called the Central Relief Fund  shall be formed.  This Fund shall consist of,- 
 (i) subscriptions and donations; 
 (ii) grants from the Government; 
 (iii) the cess paid under sub-section (3) of section 31; 
 (iv) grants from local bodies, and other private or public institutions; 
 (v) fines recovered under this Act; and 
 11
 (vi) receipts from other sources. 
1.  Re-numbered by Act 7 of 1982 w.e.f. 1.10.198 
  1[(2)The Central Relief Fund shall be administered by a Committee consisting 
of the Secretary to Government, Social Welfare and Labour Department who shall be 
the Chairman and the Director of Social Welfare and a representative of the Finance 
Department nominated by the Government who shall be the members of the 
Committee. 
 (3) Subject to such rules as may be prescribed, the Central Relief Fund shall be 
applied for such purposes and in such manner as may be decided by the Committee 
constituted under sub-section (2) from time to time.]1 
1. Sub-sections (2) and (3) Insert ed by Act 7 of 1982 w.e.f. 1.10.1981 
 31. Beggary cess.- (1)  With effect from such date as the Government may by 
notification appoint, a beggary cess in the form of a surcharge on,- 
  (i) tax on lands and buildings; 
  (ii) tax on entry of goods into the local area for consumption, use   
  or  sale therein; 
  (iii) tax on vehicles; 
  (iv) tax on professions, trades, callings and employments, 
shall be levied in the area within the jurisdiction of every local authority under the 
relevant laws relating to the levy of such taxes at the rate of three paise for every 
rupee of the taxes so levied. 
 (2) The cess levied under sub-section (1) shall be collected by the local authority 
concerned as if the cess were a tax payable under the relevant laws for the time 
being in force and the provisions of the said laws relating to the levy and collection of 
the said tax shall apply in respect of the levy and collection of such cess subject to 
such modifications as may be prescribed. 
 (3) The local authority shall be entitled to deduct as the cost of collection ten 
percent of the amount collected under sub-section (2) and the balance shall be paid 
by such local authority to 1[the Committee constituted under sub-section (2) of 
section 30]1, within such time and in such manner as the Government may direct. 
  1. Substituted by Act 7 of 1982 w.e.f. 1.10.1981  
 2["(4) If a local authority fails to make payment of such balance amount within the 
time as directed by the Government under sub-section (3), the Government may 
make an order directing the person having the custody of the fund of the local 
authority concerned to pay such balance am ount in priority to any other charge 
against such fund and such person shall so far as the amounts to the credit of such 
fund admit, be bound to comply with the order. 
 (5) Where the balance amount due from a local authority is not paid in compliance 
with the order of the Government under sub-section(4), the such amount shall be 
recoverable from such local authority in the same manner as an arrear of land 
revenue and the amount so recovered shall be credited to the Central Relief Fund"]
2 
1. Sub-sections (4) and (5) Insert ed by Act 26 of 2003 w.e.f. 21.5.2003 
 32. Board of Visitors.- The Government may, in accordance with the rules made 
in this behalf, appoint a Board of Visitors in local areas to  inspect, from time to time, 
the institutions situated therein, and to report on the working of these institutions, to 
the Government and offer such suggestions as they deem fit for the improvement of 
the said institutions. 
 33. Revision.- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Code of 
Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act 2 of 1974) any person aggrieved by any 
decision of a magistrate under this Act, may apply to the Court of Session having 
 12
jurisdiction in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed time for revision of 
such decision and the Court of Session in so doing may examine the legality or 
propriety of the proceedings before the magistrate.  The decision of the Court of 
Session shall be final. 
 34. Appeal.- (1)  If any inmate of an institution is aggrieved by any order passed 
by any person in charge of the institution, he may appeal against that order to the 
Chairman of the local committee. 
 (2) The decision of the Chairman of the local committee may be taken up in 
second appeal to the Board of Appeal constituted in the prescribed manner by the 
Central Relief Committee from amongst its members and the order of that Board 
shall be final. 
 35. Charge for misconduct.- The Government may on the report of an auditor 
who may be appointed by the Government to audit the accounts of the Central Relief 
Fund pass an order charging any person responsible for causing any loss through 
misconduct or negligence, after obtaining his explanation and shall in every such 
case certify the amount due from such person, and upon the application of the 
Central Relief Committee the revenue authorities shall recover the said amount from 
such person as if it were an arrear of land revenue and credit to the Central Relief 
Fund. 
 36. Publication of annual accounts.- The annual accounts of receipts and 
expenditure, and the budget when sanctioned shall be open to public inspection and 
shall be published in such manner as may be prescribed. 
 37. Administration Report.- (1)  As soon as may be after the 1st July every year, 
and not later than such date as may be fixed by the Government, the Central Relief 
Committee shall submit to the Government an administration report for the preceding 
official year in such manner and with such details as the Government may direct. 
 (2) Each local committee shall, as soon as may be after the 1st July of each year 
and not latter than such date as may be fixed by the Central Relief Committee, 
submit to the Central Relief Committee an administration report for the preceding 
official year in such manner and in such form as may be fixed by the Central Relief 
Committee. 
 (3) The report shall be published in such manner as the Government may direct. 
CHAPTER  VIII 
CONTROL 
 38. Powers of Government.- The Government or any officer authorised by the 
Government by a general or special order shall have power,- 
 (a) to enter and inspect any institution under the control or management of the 
Central Relief Committee or inspect any work in progress under it or under its 
direction; 
 (b) to call for any extract from the proceedings of the Central Relief Committee or 
of any Committee under its control and direction and any return, statement, account 
or report which the Central Relief Committee may be required to furnish; 
 (c) to inspect the office of the Central Relief Committee or any office under its 
control and direction, and call for the records of any such office, and the officer 
authorised shall submit the records for the orders of the Government if he is satisfied 
that the order or proceedings of the Central Relief Committee or the local committee 
is contrary to law or orders for the time being in force. 
 13
 39. Disputes.- (1) If any dispute arises between the Central Relief Committee and 
local committees or local bodies in any matter arising under the provisions of this Act 
and the dispute is not amicably settled, the matter shall be reported to the 
Government who may take cognizance of the dispute and decide it and the decision 
of the Government shall be final. 
 (2) No suit shall be entertained by a civil court in respect of any dispute referred 
to in sub-section (1). 
 40. Rules.- (1) The Government may by notification make rules generally for the 
purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Act. 
 (2)  In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, 
such rules may provide for,- 
  (a) the constitution of the committees and institutions and their powers, duties 
and functions; 
  (b) the constitution of the Board of Visitors, its powers, duties and functions; 
  (c) the submission of returns and statements and reports and the preparation 
and submission of annual receipts and expenditure and the annual administration 
report by the Central Relief Committee and the local committees; 
  (d) the auditing of accounts; 
  (e) the constitution of a Board of Appeal, its powers, duties and functions; 
  (f) the transfer of beggars from one institution to another and on such 
conditions as may be prescribed from one State to another; 
  (g) prescribing the form of bonds required to be taken under the provisions of 
this Act; and 
  (h) any other matter in respect of which rules are required to be or may be 
made under this Act.  
 (3) The power of the Government to make rules under this Act shall be subject to 
the condition of previous publication. 
 (4) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid as soon as may be after it is 
made, before each House of the State Legislature while it is in session for a total 
period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more 
successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following 
the session or successive sessions aforesaid both Houses agree in making any 
modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the 
rule shall from the date on which the modification or annulment is notified by the 
Government in the official Gazette have effect only in such modified form or be of no 
effect, as the case may be, so however, that any modification or annulment shall be 
without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such rule. 
 (5) All rules made by the Government under this Act shall be published in the 
official Gazette both in English and Kannada. 
 41. Repeal.- On the date on which this Act comes into force in any area in which 
any of the Acts specified in the Schedule to this Act is in force, such Act shall stand 
repealed on such date in such area: 
 Provided that section 6 of the Karnataka General Clauses Act, 1899 (Karnataka 
Act III of 1899), shall be applicable in respect of such repeal and sections 8 and 24 of 
the said Act shall be applicable as if the said enactments had been repealed and re-
enacted by this Act. 
 
 14
SCHEDULE 
 1. The Bombay Beggars Act, 1945 (Bombay Act XXIII of 1945). 
 2. The Prevention of Beggary Act, 1350 F (Hyderbad Act XX of 1350 Fasli). 
 3. The Madras Prevention of Beggi ng Act, 1945 (Madras Act XIII of 1945). 
4. The Mysore prohibition of Beggary Act, 1944 (Mysore Act 33 of 1944). 
* * * 
NOTIFICATION 
I 
Bangalore, dated 26th March 1976  [No. SWD 5 SBR 76] 
 S.O. 979. -  In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 1 of the 
Karnataka Prohibition of Beggary Act, 1975  (K arnataka Act 27 of 1975), the Government of 
Karnataka hereby brings into force the said Act in the areas comprised in the Corporations of 
the City of Bangalore and City of Hubli-D harwar and in the Municipalities of Mysore, 
Mangalore, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Bellary, Davanagere, Bijapur and Shimoga with effect from 
1st April 1976. 
By Order in the name of the Governor of  Karnataka, 
    N. Narayana Swamy,  
  Under Secretary to Government, 
 Social Welfare and Laour Department. 
 (Published in the Karnataka Gazette (Extr aordinary) Part IV-2C (ii) dated 8-4-1976) 
II 
Bangalore, dated 28th August 1997  [No. SWD 15 SBR 97 (I)] 
 1462- S.O. 1397.-   Whereas in notification No. SWD 5 SBR 76, dated 26th March 1976, 
published in the Karnataka Gazette dated 8th April 1976, (hereinafter referred to as the said 
notification) provision of the Karnataka Prohibi tion of Beggary Act, 1975, were brought into 
force in the areas comprised in the Corporations of the City of Bangalore and City of Hubli-
Dharwad and in the Municipalities of Mysore, Mangalore, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Bellary, 
Davanagere, Bijapur and Shimoga with effect from 1st April 1976. 
 Whereas the Government of Kar nataka is satisfied that suitable facilities exist for the relief 
of the beggars in the whole of the State of Karnataka. 
 Now therefore, in exer cise of the powers conferred by su b-section (3) of section 1 of the 
Karnataka Prohibition of Beggary Act, 1975 (K arnataka Act 27 of 1975) and in partial 
modification of the said notification, the Government of Karnataka hereby brings into force the 
provisions of the said Act, in rest of the areas in the Karnataka State with immediate effect. 
By Order in the name of the Governor of  Karnataka, 
     B.D. Obappa,  
 Under Secretary to Government, 
  Social Welfare Department. 
 (Published in Karnataka Gazette (Extraordi nary) Part IV-2C (ii) dated 6-11-1997.) 
* * * * 
 
 

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