Karnataka Governor refuses to sign Bill that allows imposing levy on temples earning over Rs 10 lakh

New Delhi: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot refused to sign the controversial temple tax bill, questioning why only temples are taxed. 

In an order issued on Thursday, the Governor asked the Congress-ruled state of Karnataka whether it has conceptualized any legislation to encompass other religious bodies in a similar fashion as this Bill?

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Notably, the bill mandates the state to collect 10% tax from temples generating revenue exceeding Rs 1 crore and 5% from shrines with revenue between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore.

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"It is also perused that the Karnataka Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act 1997 and amendments made in the year 2011 and 2012 have been struck down by the Hon'ble High Court Dharwad Bench in WA No 3440/2005," read the governor's order.

It is informed that the said high court decision has been challenged in the Supreme Court, the Apex Court has stayed the high court order, and the case is in the stage of final hearing, it further reads.

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