LexThe Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra Development Authority Act, 2013
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KARNATAKA ACT NO.37 OF 2013
Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra Development Authority Act,
2013
Arrangement of Sections
STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS
Sections:
CHAPTER - I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement
2. Definitions
CHAPTER - II
CONSTITUTION OF SRI MALAI MAHADESWARASWAMY KSHETHRA
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND ITS EMPLOYEES
3. Constitution of the Authority
4. Term of office and conditions of services
5. Disqualification for membership
6. Removal of member
7. Eligibility for reappointment
8. Powers of the Authority
9. Sub-committee of the Authority
10. Appointment of Secretary
11. Powers and duties of the Secretary
12. Employees of the Authority
13. General disqualification for services under the Authority
14. Meetings of the Authority
15. Proceedings presumed to be good and valid
16. Decisions of the Authority by circulation of note
17. Power of the Chairman to take decisions of the Authority in certain
cases
17-A. District Level and State Level Monitoring Committee
CHAPTER - III
DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE KSHETHRA
18. Provision with regard to the Movable and Immovable Properties of the
Temple
19. Preparation of developmental plan, its approval and execution
20. Subsequent development works
21. Maintenance of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra
22. Delegation of powers
23. Application of (Karnataka Act 32 of 1974) to Authority Premises
CHAPTER - IV
FINANCE AND PROPERTY
24. Fund of the Authority
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25. Application of the Fund
26. Grant by the State Government
27. Budget of the Authority
28. Accounts and audit
29. Reports
CHAPTER - V
MISCELLANEOUS
30. Certain persons to be public servants
31. Protection of action taken under this Act
32. Default in performance of duty
33. Dissolution of the Authority
34. Control by the State Government
35. State Government's powers to give directions
36. Removal of difficulties
37. Power to make rules
38. Power to make regulations
39. Over riding effect of the Act
40. Consequences of constitution of the Authority
STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS
I
Act 37 of 2013. - It is considered necessary to enact a legislation to
provide for constitution of an independent statutory Authority to undertake
the work of development and maintenance of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswam y
Kshethra. The salient features of the said Bill are as follows,-
(1) Constitution of an Authority under the Chairmanship of the Chief
Minister with the concerned Ministers, Members of Parliament,
Legislators, non-officials and officials as members.
(2) Appointment of a Secretary who shall be the Chief Executive and
Administrative Officer of the Authority.
(3) Preparation of development plan for the development of Sri Malai
Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra by the Authority and its maintenance
by it.
(4) Constitution of a Fund called Sri Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy
Kshethra Development Authority Fund.
(5) Application of the Fund.
(6) Other incidental matters.
Hence the Bill.
[L.A. Bill No.10 of 2013, File No. Samvyashae 06 Shasana 2013]
[Entries 5 and 32 of list II and entries 20 and 40 of list III of the Seventh
Schedule to the Constitution of India.]
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II
Amending Act 36 of 2014. - Sri Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Area
Development Authority Act, 2013 has been enacted for the comprehensive
development of Sri Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy temple Area , Mahadeshwara
Hills, in Kollegal Taluk, Chamarajanagar District. It is considered necessary
to amend few provisions of the Act, so as to enable the said authority to work
more effectively.
Hence, the Bill.
[L.A. Bill No.50 of 2014, File No. Samvyashae 21 Shasana 2014]
[entry 5 and 32 of List II, 20 and 40 of list III of the Seventh Schedule to
the Constitution of India.]
III
Amending Act 15 of 2016. - It is considered necessary to amend the
Sri Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Kshetra Devlopment Authority A ct, 2013
(Karnataka Act 37 of 2013) to,-
(i) nominate not more than two State Legislature Members including
the member of the Karnataka Legislature Assembly as members of
the Authority and
(ii) provide for the more power to the Authority in executing the
development plants of Sri Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Kshetra
Hence the Bill
[L.A. Bill No.07 of 2016, File No. Samvyashae 58 Shasana 2015]
[entry 5 and 32 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of
India.]
IV
Amendment Act 15 of 2026.- It is cons idered necessary further to amend
the Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra Development Authority Act, 2013
(Karnataka Act No. 37 of 2013) to;-
(i) strengthen the administrative framework and ensure effective
implementation of the provisions of the Act;
(ii) review and revise existing policy mechanisms in alignment with prevailing
statutory and administrative norms;
(iii) constitution of District and State -level Committees for the smooth
functioning of the Authority; and
(iv) streamline decision -making, better planning, enhance coordination, and
ensure institutional accountability.
4
Hence, the Bill.
[L.A. Bill No. 69 of 2025, File No. SAMVYASHAE 80 SHASANA 2025]
[Entry 32 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India]
[Published in Karnat aka Gazette Extra -ordinary No.30 in part -IVA
dated:08.01.2026]
---
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KARNATAKA ACT NO.37 OF 2013
(First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the Sixteenth
day of March, 2013)
Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra Development Authority Act,
2013
(Received the assent of the Governor on the Thirteenth day of March, 2013)
(As amended by Karnataka Acts 36 of 2014, 15 of 2016 and 15 of 2026)
An Act to provide for the establishment of an Authority to develop and
maintain Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy t emple, Mahadeswara Hills in
Kollegal taluk, Chamarajanagar District.
Whereas it is expedient to provide for the establishment of an Authority
to develop and maintain Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy temple, Mahadeswara
Hills in Kollegal taluk, Chamarajanagar Di strict into an international pilgrim,
cultural and tourist centre and also to maintain it;
Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the Sixty -Fourth
year of the Republic of India as follows:-
CHAPTER - I
PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent an d commencement. - (1) This Act may be
called Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra Development Authority Act,
2013.
(2) It extends to the area of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshetra as
defined in clause (f) of section 2.
(3) It shall come into force from suc h date as the State Government
may, by notification, appoint and different dates may be appointed for
different provisions of the Act.
This Act has came into force w.e.f.11.09.2013 by Notification No.RD 130 MUABI 2013,
Dated:11.09.2013.
(See the text of the notification at the end of the Act)
2. Definitions.- In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) "amenity" includes roads, streets, sub -ways, lighting, drainage,
sanitation, electricity and water supply or other convenience,
public works , market places, post office, bank, hospitals,
dispensary, police station, fair price shop, milk booth, library,
recreation centres, service stations of any public utility service
authorised by the Authority or other facility; and such other
amenity as the State Government may, by notification, specify;
(b) "Authority" means Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra
Development Authority constituted under section 3;
(c) "Chairman" means the Chairman of the Authority;
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1[(C-1) "Committee" means the District L evel Committee and the State Level
Monitoring Committee constituted under section 17A]1.
(d) "Fund" means fund of the Authority;
(e) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Authority appointed under
section 10;
(f) "Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra" means and includes Sri
Malai Mahadeswaraswamy temple and all the subsidiary temples
attached thereto, in Malai Mahadeswara Hills, Kollegal taluk in
Chamarajangaar district, the entire area of Malai Mahadeswara
Hills and lands acquired by Government from t ime to time for
development of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra and such
other area declared by the State Government, by notification;
(g) "member" means a member of the Authority;
(h) "regulations" means regulations of the Authority made under
section 38.
1[(i) "Rules" means rules made under this Act]1.
1. Inserted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
CHAPTER - II
CONSTITUTION OF SRI MALAI MAHADESWARASWAMY KSHETHRA
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND ITS EMPLOYEES
3. Constitution of the Authority. - (1) As soon as may be, after the
commencement of this Act, there shall be established for the purposes of this
Act, an Authority called Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra
Development Authority.
(2) The Authority shall have its headquarters at 1[Malai Mahadeshwara
hill]1 in Kollegal taluk, Chamarajanagar district.
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
(3) The Authority shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid,
having perpetual succession and a common seal with power to acquire, hold
and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract and
shall by the said name sue and be sued.
(4) The Authority shall consist of the following members namely:-
(a) the Chief Minister shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Authority;
(b) the Ministe r in charge of Hindu Religious Institutions and
charitable Endowments Department, shall be the Vice Chairman of
the Authority;
(c) the Minister in charge of the District; 1[Vice Chairman]1
1. Inserted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
(d) the Peethadhipathi of Sri Salurumath, Malai Mahadeshwara Hills;
(e) the Members of Parliament and the Members of the State
Legislature representing a part or whole of the Sri Malai
Mahadeshwaraswamy Kshethra, whose electoral constituencies lie
within the limits of it;
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1[ (f) Not more than five members nominated by the State
Government from among the leading personalities having wide
knowledge about the historical background and mythology of Sri
Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Kshetra, out of whom at least one
shall belong to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes and
one shall be a women]1
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
(g) the Chief Engineer Communication and Building, Public Works
Department 1[or his representative not below the rank of Executive
Engineer]1;
1. Inserted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
(h) the Secretary to Government, Finance Department; 1[2[or his
representative not below the rank of Deputy Secretary to
Government]2]1
1. Inserted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
2. Substituted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
(i) the Secretary to Government, in charge of Hindu Religious
Institutions and Charitable Endowments, Revenue Department;
1[(j) The Secretary to the Government, Revenue Department
(Muzarai) or his representative;
(j-1) The Commissioner, Department of Religious and Charitable
Endowment, Bangalore;
(j-2) The Chief Priest, Sri Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Temple;]1
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
1[(J-3) One person who is nominated by the Government, having prominent
knowledge of Hindu temple architecture mainly the form of Vishwakarma
architecture and many varieties of style, designs of vigraha shas tras and basic
nature of temple]1.
1. Inserted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
(k) the Deputy Commissioner, Chamarajanagar district;
(l) the Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath, Chamarajanagar
district;
(m) the Director, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Mysore;
(n) the Secretary of the Authority who shall be the Member – Secretary.
4. Term of office and conditions of services. - (1) Subject to the
pleasure of the State Government the non -official members nominated by the
State Government shall hold office for a period of three years:
Provided that the Peethadhipathi of Sri Salurumath shall be a
permanent member.
(2) Any non -official member may resign his office by writing under his
hand addressed to the State Government but shall continue in office until his
resignation is accepted.
(3) The non-official members shall receive such allowances as may be
prescribed.
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5. Disqualification for membership.- A person shall be disqualified for
being appointed as and for being a member if he,-
(a) has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence
which in the opinion of the State Government involves moral
turpitude; or
(b) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court;
or
(c) is an undischarged insolvent; or
(d) has been removed or dismissed from service of the Ce ntral
Government or a State Government or a body or corporation owned
or controlled by the Central Government or a State Government; or
(e) has directly or indirectly by himself or as partner, has any share or
interest in any work done by the order of th e Authority or in any
contract or employment with or under or by or on behalf of the
Authority; or
(f) is employed as a paid legal practitioner on behalf of the Authority or
accepts employment as legal practitioner against the Authority:
Provided that n o person shall be disqualified under clause (e) of sub -
section (1) or be deemed to have any share or interest in any contract or
employment within the meaning of the said clause by reason only of his
having a share or interest in any newspaper in which any advertisement
relating to the affairs of the Authority is inserted.
6. Removal of member. - (1) The State Government shall remove a
member if,-
(a) he becomes subject to any of the disqualifications mentioned in
section 5:
Provided that no member shall be removed on the ground that he has
become subject to the disqualification mentioned in clause (e) of sub -section
(1) of that section, unless he has been given an opportunity of making his
representation against the proposal; or
(b) he refuses to act or become incapable of acting; or
1[(c) he without informing the Authority absents from three consecutive
meetings of the Authority:
Provided that, this clause shall not apply to the ex-officio members; or]1
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
(d) in the opinion of the State Government he has so abused his
position as to render his continuance in office detrimental to the
public interest:
Provided that no member shall be removed under this clause unless he
has been given an opportunity of maki ng his representation against the
proposal.
7. Eligibility for reappointment. - Any person ceasing to be a member
shall unless disqualified under section 5, be eligible for re -appointment as a
member.
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8. Powers of the Authority. - (1) The Authority shall have power
generally to do anything that in its opinion is necessary to do to give effect to
the intent and provisions of this Act, except such acts as are specifically laid
in the Act to be performed by other authorities.
(2) Without prejudice to the ge nerality of sub -section (1) the Authority
shall have power,-
(a) to enter into and perform all such contracts as it may consider
necessary or expedient for carrying out any of the purposes of this
Act subject to such rules as may be prescribed and every c ontract
shall be made on behalf of the Authority by the Secretary:
1[Provided that, a copy of every contract involving expenditure of rupees
ten lakhs or more shall be sent to the State Government"; and]1
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
(b) to borrow any sum required for the purposes of this Act from time to
time with the previous sanction of the State Government and
subject to such conditions as may be prescribed in this behalf; 1[A
compliance report shall be submitted to the State Gove rnment in
this behalf.]1
1. Inserted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
1[(c) the Authority may approve a scheme for adoption of "C" category
temples as notified under the provisions of the Karnataka Hindu
Religious Institutions and Charitable Endo wments Act, 1997
(Karnataka Act No. 33 of 2001) and may specify necessary p rovisions
for the said adoption]1.
1. Inserted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
9. Sub -committee of the Authority. - (1) The Authority may for any
specific purpose constitute a sub-committee consisting of the Secretary as
Chairman and such other members not exceeding five among the members of
the Authority.
(2) The sub -committee shall exercise such of the powers and perform
such duties of the Authority which are delegated by the Authority.
(3) The sub -committee shall meet at -least once in a month and shall
observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at
its meeting as may be provided by regulations.
10. Appointment of Secretary. - 1[2[(1) The State G overnment shall
appoint an officer from the cadre of Group -A Senior scale Officer of the
Endowment Department as the Secretary of the Authority and a Group 'B'
Officer of the Endowment Department as the Deputy Secretary of the
Authority.]2]1
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
2. Sustituted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
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(2) The Secretary 1[and other officers ]1 shall receive such salary and
other allowances as the State Government may, from time to time, determine.
1. Inserted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
(3) The State Government may, from time to time, grant leave of
absence for such period as it thinks fit to the Secretary.
11. Powers and duties of the Secretary. - (1) The Secretary shall be
the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the Authority.
(2) The Secretary shall, in addition to performing such functions as are
conferred on him by or under this Act or under any law for the time being in
force,-
(a) to carry into effect the resolutions of the Authority;
(b) to conduct the business of the Authority and keep correspondence;
(c) to carry out and execute such schemes and works as the State
Government may direct and incur necessary expenditure therefor;
(d) to implement the schemes of the Authority;
(e) to operate the accounts of the Authority and be responsible for the
maintenance of the accounts of the Authority;
(f) to exercise supervision and control over the officers and servants of
the Authority in matters of executive, administration and servi ce
conditions of such officers and servants and regulation of their pay
and allowances;
(g) to furnish to the State Government a copy of the minutes of the
proceedings of the Authority and any return, or other information
which the State Government may, from time to time, call for;
(h) to discharge such other functions which are conferred on him by or
under this Act or any other law for the time being in force.
12. Employees of the Authority. - (1) Subject to such rules as may be
prescribed, the Author ity may appoint such number of employees as it may
find necessary for effective implementation of the Act:
1[Provided that, until the State Government frame rules, under this Act,
the method of recruitment and conditions of service of the employees
including Archaks working in Sri. Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Temple of
Malai Mahadeshwara Kshetra Development authority shall be continued to
be governed under the provisions of the Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Act, 1997 (Karnataka Act 33 of 2001) and the rules made there
under.]1
2[Provided further that, the State Government shall appoint an
Executive Engineer on deputation from the Public Works Department for
maintenance of works taken up by the Authority and also, the State
Government shall appoint an Accounts Officer not below the rank of Group
'A' Officer on deputation from the Karnataka State Audit and Accounts
Department.
11
Provided also that, the Executive Engineer shall be responsible for the
overall monitoring of progress review of repair works, policy decisions,
introduction of new technology, Budget allocation, review of budget, co -
ordination with all external agencies and random site inspection for quality
check and issuances of No Objection Certificate to construction or
renovations of the buildings coming under jurisdiction of the Authority.]2
(2) The Advisor of Finance and Accounts shall work under the control of
the Secretary. He shall ensure that financial rules are followed; and accounts
are kept up to date, presenting a true and fair pic ture of the financial affairs
of the Authority.
(3) The salaries, allowances and other conditions of service of the
employees referred to in sub-section (1), shall be as may be prescribed.
(4) The Secretary shall be the appointing and disciplinary author ity in
respect of employees of the Authority and shall exercise general control and
supervision over the employees of the Authority.
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
2. Sustituted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
13. General disqualification for services under the Authority. - No
person who has directly or indirectly by himself or through his partner or
through his agent, any share or interest in any contract, by or on behalf of
the Authority or in any employment under, by or on behalf of the Authority,
otherwise than as an officer or employee thereof, shall become or remain an
officer or employee of the Authority.
14. Meetings of the Authority. - (1) Meetings of the Authority shall be
convened by the Secretary, with the previous approval of the Chairman at
such intervals as the Chairman may deem fit and shall be held at such place,
as may be determined by the Chairman:
Provided that the Authority shall meet atleast 1[four times ]1 in a
calendar year.
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
(2) Every meeting shall be presided over by the Chairman and if for any
reason the Chairman is unable to attend any meeting, 1[and If such a
meeting is attended by both the Vice -Chairman, the District incharge,
Minister shall preside over the meeting]1 The quorum for the meeting shall be
one third of the total members including the Chairman.
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
(3) Decisions of the Authority shall be, by unanimous affirma tive vote of
the members present and voting. If there is any difference of opinion on any
particular subject coming for decision before the Authority, the Secretary
shall refer the matter to the State Government and the decision of the State
Government in such matters shall be final and conclusive.
(4) The Secretary shall give effect to the decisions of the Authority:
Provided that, if in the opinion of the Secretary any resolution of the
Authority contravenes any provision of this Act or any other law or of any
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rule, notification or regulation made or issued under this Act or any other
law or of any order passed by the State Government or is prejudicial or
detrimental to the interests of the Authority or the interests of the
development and maintenance of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra, he
shall within fifteen days of the passing of the resolution, refer the matter to
the State Government for orders thereon and inform the Authority at its next
meeting, of the action taken by him and until orders of the State Government
on receipt of such reference the Secretary shall not be bound to give effect to
such resolution.
(5) The Authority may by regulations specify the procedure with regard
to the transaction of business at its meetings, not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act and the provisions of the Karnataka Hindu Religious
Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1997 (Karnataka Act 33 of
2001) and Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable
Endowments Rules, 2002.
15. Proceedings presumed to be good and valid. - No disqualification
of or defect in the appointment of any person acting as member shall be
deemed to vitiate any act or proceeding of the Authority if such act or
proceeding is otherwise in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
16. Decisions of the Authority by circulation of note. - (1) The
Chairman may direct that any case may, instead of being brought up for
discussion at a meeting of the Authority, be circulated, amongst the
members of the Authority for opinion. I f all the members unanimously agree
for the proposal contained in the note circulated, it shall be deemed to be
affirmative decision of the Authority and further action taken accordingly. If
there is any difference of opinion on any particular subject take n up for the
decision of the Authority by circulation, the Secretary shall refer the matter
to the State Government, and the decision of the State Government thereon
shall be final.
(2) In cases which are circulated for opinion under sub -section (1), if
any member fails to communicate his opinion to the Secretary by a date to be
specified in the note, it shall be presumed that such member has accepted
the proposal contained in the note circulated.
(3) The provisions of section 14 shall mutatis mutandis ap ply to the
decisions of the Authority by circulation under this section.
(4) The contents of the note for circulation under sub -section (1), shall
be as may be prescribed.
17. Power of the Chairman to take decisions of the Authority in
certain cases.- (1) Where the Chairman is of the opinion that a matter is so
urgent that it cannot wait for the Authority meeting under section 14 or for a
Authority decision, by circulation under section 16, he may pass such orders
as he may deem fit and it shall be imple mented in the manner the decisions
of the Authority are implemented under section 14 and 16.
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(2) Every decision taken by the Chairman under this section shall be
reported to the Authority at its next meeting for ratification.
(3) If the Authority disagree s with the decision of the Chairman the
same shall be referred to the Government by the Secretary for suitable order.
1[17-A. District Level and State Level Monitoring Committee. - (1)
There shall be constituted a Dist rict level committee and a State level
Monitoring committee to review and submit the proposal regarding
construction and maintenance of buildings, roads and tunnels,
electricity supply and maintenance, water supply and sanitation,
construction of re creation centre and libraries to provide necessary facilities
to pilgrims and to provide safety to pilgrims within the jurisdiction of the
Authority.
(2) The District level monitoring committee shall consist of the following
members, namely:-
(a) The Deputy Commissioner, Chamarajanagar district Ex-officio Chairman
(b) The Superintendent of Police, Chamarajanagar district Ex-officio member
(c) The Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat,
Chamarajanagar district
Ex-officio member
(d) The Deputy Conservator of forest Chamarajanagar District Ex-officio member
(e) The Jurisdictional Executive Engineer, Public Works
Department, Chamarajanagar District
Ex-officio member
(f) The Assistant Commissioner, Kollegal Sub-Division Ex-officio member
(g) The Tahsildar, Hanur taluk Ex-officio member
(h) The Executive Officer, Taluk Panchayat, Hanur Ex-officio member
(i) The jurisdictional Assistant Director, Tourism Department Ex-officio member
(j) The Peethadhipathi of Sri Salurumath, Malai Mahadeswara
Hills or his representative.
member
(k) The jurisdictional Assistant Director, Town and Country
Planning Department
Ex-officio member
(l) The jurisdictional Panchayath Development officer,
Mahadeswara Betta.
Ex-officio member
(m) The Secretary of the Authority Ex-officio member
Secretary
14
(3) The District Level Monitoring Committee shall submit suitable
proposals to the State Level Monitoring Committee for the works or proposals
to be undertaken in respect of their Departments within the jurisdiction of
the Authority.
(4) The State Level Monitoring Committee shall consist of the following
members, namely:-
(a) The Principal Secretary to Government, Revenue
Department (Muzrai)
Ex-officio Chairman
(b) The Commissioner, Hindu Religious Institutions and
Charitable Endowment Department
Ex-officio member
(c) The Chief Engineer, Public Works Department Ex-officio member
(d) The Managing Director, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply
Company.
Ex-officio member
(e) The Chief Engineer, Karnataka Urban Water Supply and
Sewerage Board
Ex-officio member
(f) The Deputy Commissioner, Chamarajanagar District Ex-officio member
(g) The superintendent of Police, Chamarajanagar District Ex-officio member
(h) The Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat,
Chamarajanagar District
Ex-officio member
(i) The Director, Tourism Department Ex-officio member
(j) The Director, Rural water supply Department, Bengaluru, Ex-officio member
(k) The Secretary of the Authority Ex-officio member
Secretary
(5) The State level Monitoring Committ ee shall scrutinize the proposals
submitted by the District level Committee and recommend the Authority on
all matters relating to the development of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy
Kshethra.
(6) The District level Committee and the State level Monitoring
Committee shall meet at least once in three months at such place and at
such time and shall adopt such procedure as may be prescribed.] 1
1. Inserted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
CHAPTER - III
DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE KSHETHRA
18. Provision with regard to the Movable and Immovable Properties
of the Temple. - 1[(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any, custom,
usage or the provisions of any Law for the time being in force under which
15
the Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Temple is governed or the provis ions of the
Karnataka Hindu Religious institutions and charitable endowments Act,
1997 (Karnataka Act 33 of 2001), the ownership, administration and
complete management of movable and immovable properties including
jewellery and liabilities of the temple s hall vest with the State Government
from the date of commencement of Sri Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Kshetra
Development Authority (Amendment) Act, 2014 and shall be transferred to
the authority thereafter.]1
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
1[2[(2) Subject to sub - section (1) of section 12 on and from the date of
commencement of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra Development
Authority (Amendment) Act, 2025 the management of the employees of the
Temple shall vest in the Authority.]2]1
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
2. Substituted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
(3) It shall be competent for the State Government, by order to make
transitory provisions, if in the opinion of the State Government, it is
expedient so to do.
19. Preparation of developmental plan, its approval and execution. -
(1) The Authority shall, as soon as may be, after its constitution prepare a
plan for the development of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra into an
international pilgrim, cultural and tourist centre and a centre for deliberation
and propagation of the tenets of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy and other
subsidiary deities. The Development plan may include,-
(a) remantling Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy temple programmes for its
maintenance and other temple attached to the presiding deity;
(b) proposals for acquiring land by acquisition or purchase, exchange or
otherwise, which in the opinion of the Authority is necessary for
execution of the development plan;
(c) putting up public parks, horticultural or zoological gardens, fountain
gardens, artificial water falls, game parks, lakes with boating or other
water games or such other tourist attractions;
(d) construction of choultries, lodging houses, cottages, hotels,
restaurants an d boarding houses to cater to different classes of
tourists;
(e) construction of necessary chain of shops or shopping complexes;
(f) construction of prayer halls and meditation halls at strategic places;
(g) provision of amenities as defined in section 2;
(h) laying and relaying of all or any land including, construction and
reconstruction of buildings;
(i) provision of drainage, electricity and water supply and sanitation;
(j) raising any land which the Authority may consider expedient to raise
to fa cilitate its plan of action in general and better drainage in
particular;
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(k) forming open spaces for the better ventilation of the area comprised
in the Malai Mahadeshwaraswamy Kshethra or in any adjoining area;
(l) the demolition of all buildings unfit for human habitation and not
fitting into the developmental plan;
(m) the demolition of obstructive building or portions of buildings;
(n) the construction and reconstruction of buildings, their maintenance
and preservation;
(o) the sale, letting or ex change of any property comprised in the
scheme, subject to the provisions of section 29;
(p) provision of accommodation to the employees of the Authority;
1[(p-1) prohibition of ear buds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons,
plastic flags, ca ndy sticks, ice cream sticks, polystyrene (Thermocol) for
decoration, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives,
straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards
and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners l ess than 100 micron, stirrers
in the area of the Authority for avoiding the plastic pollution;
(p-2) ensuring availability of safe and secure water and sanitation facilities for
all, throughout the year, in the area of the Authority.]1
(q) provision of fa cilities for communication and transport with parking
facilities;
(r) such adjustments and agreements with the existing religious
institutions in the geographical area of developmental plan which can
be allowed to continue so long as they fit into the sch eme of the
developmental plan;
(s) any other matter for which in the opinion of the Authority, it is
expedient and incidental to make provision with a view to develop and
maintain Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra as a cultural centre,
place of pilgrimage and an international tourist centre and a centre for
deliberation and to protect and develop other places of importance
connected with Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy;
1. Inserted by Act 15 of 2026 w.e.f. 08.01.2026
(2) The development plan prepared under sub-section (1) shall be
forwarded by the Secretary to the State Government 1[for information ]1
2[xxx]2.
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
2. Omitted by Act 15 of 2016 w.e.f 14.07.2016.
(3) 1[xxx]1 the State Government may, on the recom mendations of the
Authority make such modifications to the plan as it deems necessary, from
time to time.
1. Omitted by Act 15 of 2016 w.e.f 14.07.2016.
(4) The Authority shall have power to undertake works and incur
expenditure for execution of development plans 1[xxx]1 in accordance with the
provisions of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999
(Karnataka Act 29 of 2000).
1. Omitted by Act 15 of 2016 w.e.f 14.07.2016.
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20. Subsequent development works. - After execution of the
development plan under section 19, the Authority may, from time to time,
make and take up any new additional development schemes, out of its own
or borrowed financial resources or funds from the State Government.
21. Maintenance of Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra.- The
State Government may by rules on the recommendation of the Authority or
otherwise shall make provision for the maintenance of Sri Malai
Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra which shall include the manner in which the
properties of the Authority includ ing Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra
can be managed, the rates, fees or other charges that can be collected from
the devotees, pilgrims, tourists and other visitors to Sri Malai
Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra for the various facilities that they could make
use of in Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra and for such other matters
as may be expedient like power to levy license fee as may be determined by
the Authority from the licensee or persons in possession of the properties of
Sri Malai Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra.
22. Delegation of powers. - (1) The State Government, may by
notification, delegate any of the powers conferred on it by or under this Act,
to any other authority, except the power to make rules under section 37.
(2) The Authority may by regulations , delegate any of the powers
conferred on it by or under this Act to the Secretary or other officers of the
Authority, except the power to make regulations under section 38.
23. Application of (Karnataka Act 32 of 1974) to Authority
Premises.- (1) The State Government, may by notification provide from such
date as may be specified in such notification that the Karnataka Public
Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1974 shall apply to
premises belonging to, vesting in, or leased by, the Authori ty as that Act
applies in relatio n to public premises but subject to the provisions of sub-
section (2).
(2) On a notification being issued under sub -section (1), the aforesaid
Act, and the rules made thereunder shall apply to the premises of the
Authority with the following modifications, that is to say,-
(a) the State Government may appoint any officer of the State
Government or the Authority as it thinks fit, to be the competent
officer for the purposes of the aforesaid Act;
(b) references to “public premises” in that Act and those rules shall be
deemed to be references to premises of the Authority, and references
to “the State Government” in section 6,8,14,16 and 17 of that Act
shall be deemed to be references to the Authority.
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CHAPTER - IV
FINANCE AND PROPERTY
24. Fund of the Authority. - (1) There shall be a Fund called Sri Malai
Mahadeswaraswamy Kshethra Development Authority Fund.
(2) There shall be credited to the said Fund, - (i) all grants, subventions,
donations and gifts made by the Central Government, State Government, any
local authority or any body, whether incorporated or not or any person;
(ii) the amount borrowed by the Authority; and
(iii) all other sums received by or on behalf of the Authority from any
source whatsoever:
1[Provided that the donations, Kanikes, Seva Fees and other offering
made to God in Hundi shall be credited to the fund of the Authority and out
of which the net income of that temple the authority shall contribute to the
common pool fund created under section 17 of the Karnataka Hindu
Religious and Charitable Endowment Act, 1997 (Karnataka Act 33 of 2001) at
such rate as specified in that section.]1
1. Substituted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
(3) Except as otherwise directed by the State Government all moneys
credited to the Fund shall be invested in any Scheduled Bank or in the
State Government Treasury.
(4) The administrative expenses of the Authority including the salaries,
allowances and pension if any, payable to the Secretary and other
officer and employees of the Authority shall be defrayed out of the fund
of the Authority.
25. Application of the Fund. - The Fund and all property held or
vested in the Authority shall be applied for carrying out the purposes of this
Act.
26. Grant by the State Govern ment.- The State Government shall
every year make a grant to the Authority of a sum equivalent to the
administrative expenses of the Authority, until the Authority reaches self
maintenance stage out of its own resources.
27. Budget of the Authority. - (1) The Authority shall prepare every
year, before such date and in such form as may be prescribed, a budget
estimate of its income and expenditure for the financial year to commence on
the first day of April next following and shall forward it to the State
Government for sanction. The Authority may also prepare supplementary
Budget Estimates, during the course of any financial year, if necessary.
(2) The State Government shall approve the Budget Estimates and
Supplementary Budget Estimates with or without modifications.
(3) In cases of extreme urgency, the Secretary shall be competent to
incur expenditure not exceeding five lakhs of rupees in a financial year,
notwithstanding the fact that such expenditure has not been included in the
19
annual or Supplementary Budget Estimate approved by the State
Government under sub-section (2).
(4) The Secretary shall also have power to reappropriate funds from one
unit of expenditure to another unit, subject to a maximum of rupees one lakh
at a time.
28. Accounts and audi t.- (1) The Secretary shall cause to be
maintained such books of accounts and other registers as may be prescribed
and shall prepare in the prescribed manner an annual statement of
accounts.
(2) The financial year of the Authority shall commence on 1st Ap ril of
each calendar year and shall end on 31st March of the succeeding calendar
year.
(3) The accounts of the Authority shall be audited annually by the
Controller, State Accounts Department. The Authority or the State
Government may order concurrent and special audits also.
(4) The auditor shall, for the purposes of the audit, have access to all
the accounts and other records of the Authority.
(5) As soon as may be after the receipt of the annual statement of
accounts and the report of the auditor, the Authority shall consider it in its
meeting and send a copy of the annual statement of accounts together with a
copy of the report of the auditor to the State Government, along with its
explanation on the comments made by the auditor, if any, and a stateme nt of
action taken by the Authority to remedy the irregularities or loopholes, if any,
pointed out by the auditor.
(6) The State Government may after perusal of the report of the auditor,
and other documents submitted to it, as in sub -section (6), give su ch
directions as it thinks fit to the Authority and the Authority shall comply with
such directions.
29. Reports.- (1) The Authority shall prepare an Annual Report of its
working for each financial year and submit it to the State Government along
with other reports under section 28.
(2) The Authority shall before such date, in such form and at such
intervals as may be prescribed, submit the prescribed reports to the State
Government.
1[(3) the audit report and annual report of the authority shall be laid
before both the Houses of the State Legislature by the State Government.]1
1. Inserted by Act 36 of 2014 w.e.f. 06.09.2014
CHAPTER - V
MISCELLANEOUS
30. Certain persons to be public servants. - All members, officers and
servants of the Authority, shall b e deemed, when acting or purporting to act
in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, to be public servants within
the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.
20
31. Protection of action taken under this Act. - No suit, prosecution
or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything which is in
good faith done or purported to be done under this Act.
32. Default in performance of duty. - (1) If the State Government is
satisfied that the Authority has made default in performing any duty imposed
on it by or under this Act, it may fix a period for the performance of that
duty.
(2) If in the opinion of the State Government, the Authority fails or
neglects to perform such duty within the period so fixed for its performance,
it shall be lawful for the State Government, notwithstanding anything
contained in section 3 to supersede and reconstitute the Authority in the
prescribed manner.
(3) After the supersession of the Authority and until it is reconstituted,
the powers, duties and fu nctions of the Authority under this Act shall be
carried on by the State Government or by such officer or officers, as the State
Government may appoint for this purpose.
33. Dissolution of the Authority. - (1) The State Government may, by
notification, declare that with effect from such date as may be specified in the
notification, the Authority shall be dissolved:
Provided that no such dissolution shall be made by the State
Government unless, a resolution to that effect has been moved in and passed
by both Houses of the State Legislature.
(2) WithExcerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.