SHREE RENUKA YELLAMMA KSHETRA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BOARD ACT, 2023

 

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KARNATAKA ACT NO.05 OF 2024 
 

SHREE RENUKA YELLAMMA KSHETRA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT 
BOARD ACT, 2023 

 

Arrangement of Section 

Sections:  

 

1. Short title and commencement.  
 

2. Definitions 
 

3. Constitution and incorporation of the Board 
 

4. Meetings of the Board 
 

5. Security Force 
 

6. Sub-committees of the Board 
 

7. State Level Committee 
 

8. Term of office and conditions of services 
 

9. Disqualification for membership 
 

10. Removal of member 

11. Eligibility for re-appointment 

12. Powers of the Committee 

13. Appointment of the Commissioner 

14. Duties of the Commissioner 

15. Appointment of Accounts Officer and other officers 

16. The method of recruitment and conditions of service of officers and 

staff 

17. Functions  of  the Board 

18. Special powers of the Chairman 

19. Power to delegate 



 

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20. No other Board or person to undertake development without 

permission of the Board 

21. Power of entry 

22. Levy of Fee 

23. Board fund 

24. Budget 

25. Annual  report 

26. Subventions and loans to the Board 

27. Power of Board to borrow 

28. Accounts and Audit 

29. Directions by the Board 

30. Penalty for breach of the provisions of the Act 

31. Offences by Companies 

32. Sanction of prosecution 

33. Board may compromise claims by or against it 

34. Members and officers to be public servants 

35. Protection of action taken in good faith 

36. Control by the State Government etc 

37. Application of the Karnataka Public Premises (Eviction of 

unauthorized occupants) Act, 1974 (Karnataka Act 32 of 1974) to  

the Board Premises 

38. Power to amend the schedule 

39. Power to make rules 

40. Power to make regulations 

41. Removal of difficulties 

 

 



 

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STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS 

Amendment Act 05 of 2024:- Shree Renuka Yellamma Temple at Savadatti 

is an ancient temple with devotees spread across South India. It is the temple that 

is visited by highest number of devotees in the state. The temple is situated on the 

top of the hill. The main temple is surrounded  by other pious places like Temple of 

Parashurama, Teertha Konda, and others. The Shrines connected with the temple 

are located at the foot hill also like Jogula Bhavi. On the other part of the hill are 

the Parasgada fort ruins and places like the Ramateertha. 

 Devotees from far off places visit Renuka Yellamma Kshetra temple and 

surrounding places by vehicle, bullockcarts and on foot. Traditionally the devotees 

halt at the place for a day or two, cook dishes and offer them to the deity. Given the 

fact that the enormous devotees visit the place especially during Banada Hunnime 

and Bharata Hunnime, it is incumbent upon the state to provide the basic 

necessities and amenities for the convenience of the devotees. In order to preserve 

the sanctity of the place and to provide a conducive environment to the devotees 

and tourist, it is considered necessary to constitute the Shree Renuka Yellamma 

Kshetra Tourism Development Board to- 

(a) conserve the cultural heritage of Renuka Yellamma Kshetra with all its 

archaeological remains and natural environs; 

(b) preserve its cultural identity; 

(c) to develop it into centre of pilgrimage, cultural and tourist centre; and 

(d) prevent uncontrolled development of the area and commercial 

exploitation of the area.   

Hence, the Bill. 

[L.A. Bill No. 25 of 2023, File No. SAMVYASHAE 42 SHASANA 2023]  

[Entry 64 and 65  of List II and Entry 08 and 26  of List III of the Seventh Schedule 

to the Constitution of India.]   

[Published in Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary No.56 in part-IVA 

dated:03.02.2024] 

 

 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 



 

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KARNATAKA ACT NO. 05 OF 2024 

(First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the 3rd day of 

February, 2024) 
  
 

SHREE RENUKA YELLAMMA KSHETRA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT 
BOARD Act, 2023 

 (Received the assent of the Governor on the   3rd day of February, 2024) 
 

 

An Act to constitute Shree Renuka Yellamma Kshetra Tourism 
Development Board for conservation of the cultural heritage of Shree 
Renuka Yellamma Kshetra with all its temples, archeological remains and 

natural environs; to preserve its cultural identity and to ensure its 
sustainable development. 

Whereas it is expedient to provide for the constitution of the Shree 
Renuka Yellamma Kshetra Tourism Development Board for conservation 
and development of the  Heritage  area  of the Shree Renuka Yellamma 

Kshetra with all its temples, archaeological remains and natural environs; 
and to preserve its cultural identity and to ensure sustainable  development  
of  the  Shree Renuka Yellamma Kshetra Tourism heritage area; 

development as a centre of pilgrimage and tourism; and for the matters 
connected there with or incidental thereto; 

Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in  the  Seventy 
Fourth year of the Republic of India as follows:- 

 

CHAPTER-I 
PRELIMINARY 

1. Short title and commencement. (1) This Act may be called Shree 
Renuka Yellamma Kshetra Tourism Development Board Act, 2023. 

(2) It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, 

by notification in the official Gazzette appoint. 
2. Definitions.- In this Act unless the context otherwise requires,- 

(a) "Amenity" includes guest houses, yatri nivasas, 

lodgings, civic amenities, parking for vehicles, bullock 
carts, sheds for bullocks, drinking water facilities, 

market places, post office, bank, hospitals, police 
station, milk booths, roads, bridges, streets, 
transport, lighting, water and electricity supply 

sewerage, drainage, public works, open spaces 
recreational grounds, parks and other conveniences, 

services or utilities as decided by the Board or as 
specified by the State Government by notification. 

(b) "Board" means the Shree Renuka Yellamma Kshetra 

Tourism Development Board constituted under 
section 3; 

(c) "Chairman" means the Chairman of the Board 

constituted under section 3; 
(d) “Co-Chairman” means the Co-Chairman of the Board 



 

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constituted under section 3; 

(e) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the 
Board appointed under section 13; 

 

(f) "Committee" means the State Level Committee 
constituted under section 7; 

(g) "Development" with its grammatical variations 

means carrying out of building, engineering or other 
operations in  or over or under  any  land  or  the  

making  of  any  material  change in any building or 
land or  in  the  use  of  any  building,  or  land and 
includes re-development and forming of layout sand 

sub-division of any land including amenities in  the  
Shree  Kshetra Area; 

(h) "Fund" means the fund of the Board; 
(i) "Land" includes benefits arising out of land and 

things attached to the earth or permanently fastened 

to anything attached to the earth; 
(j) "Natural Environs" includes the rivers, river beds, 

rocks, water sources, wild life and vegetation located 

in the Heritage Area; 
(k) “President" means the President of the State Level 

Committee under section 7; 
(l) "Regulations" means regulations of the Board made 

under section 40 under this Act; 

(m) "Rules" means rules of the Board made under section 
39; 

(n) "Schedule" means schedule appended to this Act. 
(o) "Shree Kshetra Area" means the area mentioned in 

the Schedule; and  

(p)  “Vice President" means the Vice President of the 
State Level Committee under section7. 

 

 
CHAPTER-II 

SHREE RENUKA YELLAMMA KSHETRA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT 
BOARD 

 

 3. Constitution and incorporation of the Board.- (1) The State 
Government shall as soon as may be after the commencement of this Act, 
constitute for the purposes of this Act, a Board  to  be  called  the  Shree 

Renuka Yellamma Kshetra Tourism Development Board. 
 

 (2) The Board shall have its Head Quarters at Shree Renuka 
Yellamma Kshetra  in Savadatti Taluk, Belgavi District. 
 



 

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 (3) The Board shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid having 

perpetual succession and common seal with power subject to the provisions 
of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property both movable and 
immovable and enter into to contract and shall by the said name sue or be 

sued. 
 
 (4) The Board shall consist of the following members, namely:- 

(i) The Deputy Commissioner, Belagavi District–Chairman 
(ii) Member of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Savadatti 

constituency-Co-Chairman 
(iii) The Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, 

Museums and Heritage, Mysuru-Member 

(iv) The Commissioner Belgaum Urban Development 
Authority, Belagavi-Member 

(v) The Director of Tourism, Bengaluru  or his 
nominee- Member 

(vi) The Superintendent of Police, Belagavi-Member 

(vii) The Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological 
Survey of India, Dharwad Circle, Dharwad- Member 

(viii) The Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Belagavi – 

Member. 
(ix) The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Belagavi – Member 

(x) The Superintendent Engineer, Public Works 
Department, Belagavi – Member 

(xi) The Deputy Environment Officer, Belagavi - Member 

(xii) The Superintendent Engineer, Malaprabha Dam 
Project - Member. 

(xiii) The Commissioner of the Board - Member Secretary. 
 

4. Meetings of the Board.- (1) The meetings of the Board shall be 

convened by the Chairman or by the Member Secretary with the express 
approval of the Chairman and it shall ordinarily meet at least once in 
three months at such place within the jurisdiction of the Board or at the 

Headquarters of the Board and at such time as the Chairman may decide.  
 (2) The Board shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the 

transaction of business at its meetings (including quorum at meetings) as 
may be specified by regulations. 

(3) Every meeting shall be presided over by the Chairman or, if for any 

reason he is unable to attend any meeting, any other member chosen by the 
members present at the meeting, shall preside over the meeting of the 
Board. 

 (4) All questions which come up before any meeting of the Board shall 
be decided by majority of the votes of the members present and voting and 

in the event of an equality of votes, the Chairman or in his absence the 
person presiding, shall have and exercise a second or casting vote. 

5. Security Force.- (1) There shall be constituted and maintained a 

force to be called the Security Force,- 



 

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(a) for the better protection and security of the board 

property within Shree Kshetra Area including prevention 
of encroachments and removal thereof; 

(b) for aiding the officers of the Board in the detection and 

investigation of any matter relating to leakage of  revenue 
or any amount payable to the Board; and 

(c) to exercise such other powers and discharge such other 

functions as may be prescribed. 
(2) The Security Force shall consist of such number  of  supervisory 

officers and members as may be determined by the  Board  and  shall  be 
provided by the State Government. 

(3) The Chairman shall exercise powers of superintendence and control 

over the Security Force. 
6. Sub-committees of the Board.- (1) The Board may for any 

specific purpose constitute one or more sub-committees consisting of the 
Commissioner as Chairman and such other members  not  exceeding  five  
on each sub-committees. 

(2) The sub-committees of the Board shall exercise such powers and 
perform such duties which are delegated to it by the Board. 

(3) Each 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. 

 
 

CHAPTER-III 

STATE LEVEL COMMITTEE 
7. State Level Committee.- (1) There shall be a State Level 

Committee consisting of the following members, namely:- 
 

(a)  The Minister incharge of Tourism. President 

(b)  The Minister incharge of Mujarai. Vice-President 

(c)  The Minister incharge of Belgaum District. Vice-President 

(d)  Members of the Parliament and the State 
Legislature representing the part or whole of 

the Shree Kshetra Area whose constituency lie 
Within the jurisdiction of the Board. 

Members 



 

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(e)  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 Shree 
Renuka Yellamma Kshetra, out of whom at  

least  one shall belong to the Scheduled Castes 
or the Scheduled Tribes and one shall be a 
women; 

Members 

(f)  The Additional Chief Secretary and 

Development Commissioner to Government of 
Karnataka. 

 Member 

(g)  The Director General, Archaeological Survey of 
India or his nominee 

  Ex-Officio Member 

(h)  Principal Secretary to Government, Finance 

Department or his nominee. 

  Ex-Officio Member 

(i)  The Chairman of Shree Kshetra Tourism 

Development Board. 

  Ex-Officio  Member 

(j)  The Secretary to Government, Kannada and 
Culture Department 

  Ex-Officio  Member 

(k)  The  Principal Secretary to Government, 
Department of Tourism 

    Member  Secretary 

 

 8. 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: 

(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. 

 9. 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 



 

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Central Government or a State Government or a Body  

or Corporation  owned or controlled by the Central 
Government or a the 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 the 
Board  or in any contract or employment with or under 
or by or on behalf of the Board; or 

(f) is employed as a paid legal practitioner on behalf of the 
Authority or accepts employment as legal practitioner 

against the Board: 
 
 Provided that, no person shall be disqualified under clause (e) 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 news paper in which any advertisement relating to the affairs 
of the Board is inserted. 

 10. Removal of member.- (1) The State Government shall remove a  

member if,- 
(a) he is disqualified subject to any of the disqualifications 

mentioned in section 9: 

Provided that, no member shall be removed on the ground that 
he has become subject to the disqualification mentioned in clause (e) 

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 

(c) he without informing to the Board absents from three 
consecutive meetings of the Board: 

Provided that, this clause shall not apply to the ex-officio 
members; or 

(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 making his representation 

against  the proposal. 

 11. Eligibility for re-appointment.- Any person ceasing to be a 
member shall unless disqualified under section 9, be eligible for re-

appointment as a member. 
 12. Powers of the Committee.- (1) The Committee 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) The Committees hall,- 
(a) monitor the activities of the Board and direct the Board 

on all matters concerning to development of Shree 



 

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Kshetra Area; 

(b) approve annual plan and budget; and 
(c) approve expenditure above five crores: with or without 

modification. 

 (3) The Committee shall meet at least once  in six months at such 
place and at such time and shall adopt such procedure as may be 
prescribed. 

 
CHAPTER-IV 

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD AND THEIR DUTIES 
 

 13. Appointment of the Commissioner.- The State Government 

shall appoint, an officer not below the rank of Group – A (Senior Scale) of 
the State Civil Service or Chief of any local Board to be the Commissioner of 

the Board. 
 
 14. Duties of the Commissioner.- (1) The Commissioner shall be 

the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the Board. 
 (2) The Commissioner shall in addition to performing such  functions 
as are conferred on him by or under this Act or under any other law for the 

time being inforce,- 
(a) Be the Chief Executive of the Board; 

(b) Be responsible to carry out the resolutions of the State 
Level Committee; 

(c) Be responsible for all budgetary planning, enforcement 

and supervisory functions of the Board; 
(d) Furnish to the Board all the information relating to the 

administration and accounts of the Board as well  as  
other matters whenever called upon by the Board to do 
so; 

(e) prepare and submit the Annual Reports and audited 
accounts of the Board for its approval within three 
months of the close of every financial year and thereafter 

submit copies of the same to the Board and the State 
Government; and 

(f) perform such other functions as may be prescribed. 
 

 15. Appointment of Accounts Officer and other officers.-  (1)  

The State Government shall appoint an officer of the State Accounts 
Service, not below the rank of Assistant Controller to be the Accounts 
Officer of the Board. 

 
(2) The Accounts Officer shall report to the Commissioner and shall 

exercise such power and perform such other duties as may be prescribed. 
 



 

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 16. The method of recruitment and conditions of service of 

officers and staff.- (1) The state Government shall provide such other 
officers and staff as may be necessary to the Board. The method of 
recruitment and conditions of service and the powers and duties of the 

commissioner and other officers and staff of the Board shall be such as 
may be prescribed. 
 (2) The administrative expenses, salary and allowances of the 

officers and staff of the Board shall be defrayed out of the fund of the 
Board. 

 
 

CHAPTER-V 

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD 
 

 17. Functions  of  the Board.-  Subject to the provisions of this Act 
and the rules made there under the functions of the Board shall be,- 

(1) As soon as may be, after its constitution prepare a plan for the 

development of Shree Renuka Yellamma Kshetra into an international 
pilgrim, cultural and tourist centre and a centre for deliberation and 
propagation of the tenets of Shree Renuka Yellamma and other subsidiary 

deities. The Development plan may include,- 
 

(a) proposals for acquiring land by acquisition or purchase, 
exchange or otherwise, which in the opinion of the Board 
is necessary for execution of the development plan; 

(b) 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; 

(c) construction of choultries, lodging houses, cottages, 

hotels, restaurants and boarding houses to cater to 
different  classes  of tourists; 

(d) construction of necessary chain of shops or shopping 

complexes; 
(e) construction of prayer halls and meditation halls at 

strategic places; 
(f) provision of amenities as defined in clause (a) of section 

2; 

(g) laying and relaying of all or any land including, 
construction and reconstruction of buildings; 

(h) provision of drainage, electricity and water supply and 

sanitation; 
(i) raising any land which the Board may consider expedient 

to raise to facilitate its plan of auction in general and 
better drainage in particular; 

(j) forming open spaces for the better  ventilation of  the  

area  comprised in the Shree Renuka Yellamma Kshethra 



 

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or in any adjoining area; 

(k) the demolition of all buildings unfit for human habitation 
and not fitting into the developmental plan; 

(l)    the demolition of obstructive building or portions of 

buildings; 
(m) the construction and re-construction of buildings, their 

maintenance and preservation; 

(n) the sale, letting or exchange of any property comprised in 
the scheme; 

(o) Provision of accommodation to the employees of the 
Board; 

(p) provision of facilities for communication and transport 

with parking facilities; 
(q) 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 scheme of the developmental 

plan; and 
(r) Any other matter for which in the opinion of the Board, it 

is expedient and incidental to make provision with a view 

to develop and maintain Shree Renuka Yellamma 
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 Shree Renuka Yellamma Kshethra. 

 
(2) The development plan prepared under sub-section(1) shall be 

submitted to the State Level Committee for approval. 
(3) The State Level Committee may make such modifications to the 

plan as  it  deems  necessary,  from time to time. 

(4) The Board shall have power to under take works and incur 
expenditure for execution of development plans in accordance with the 
provisions of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act,1999 

(Karnataka Act 29 of 2000). 
(5) After execution of the development plan under sub-section (1), the 

Board 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. 

(6) Further the Board shall,-  
 

(a) Carry out a survey of the Shree Kshetra Area and prepare 
reports on the surveys so carried out; 

(b) cause to be carried out such works as are contemplated in 
the development plan duly approved by the State Level 
Committee; 

(c) formulate as many schemes as are necessary for 
implementing the development plan of the Shree Kshetra 

Area in a sustainable manner; 



 

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(d) to secure and co-ordinate execution of the development 

plan, town planning schemes and the development to the 
Shree Kshetra Area in accordance with the said plan and 
schemes; 

(e) raise finance for any project  or scheme  for  the 
development of the Shree Kshetra Area and to extend 
assistance to the local authorities in the Region for the 

execution of such  project  or scheme; 
(f) do such other act and things as may  be  entrusted  by  the 

State Government or as may be necessary for or incidental 
or conducive to, any matters which are necessary for 
furtherance of the objects for which the Board is 

constituted; 
(g) to entrust to any local Authority or other agency the work of 

execution of any development plan or development of the 
Shree Kshetra area; 

(h) to co-ordinate the activities of the local  authorities  and  

the Urban Development Board, if any, constituted under the 
Karnataka Urban Development Authorities Act, 1987 
(Karnataka Act 34 of 1987) exercising jurisdiction within the 

limits of the Shree Kshetra Area and the Karnataka Urban 
water Supply and Sewerage Board, the Karnataka Slum 

Development Board, the Karnataka Power Transmission 
Corporation, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development 
Board, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation 

and such other bodies as are connected with developmental 
activities in the Shree Kshetra Area; 

(i) to supervise and review the progress of expenditure 
incurred under the plan and performance; 

(j) to take action to protect the Board property; 

(k) to raise local, regional, national and international  
awareness about the significance and importance of Shree 
Kshetra Area; 

(l) to promote and encourage proper research to understand 
the archaeological, historical and environmental values of 

the architectural importance of Shree Kshetra Area; and 
(m) to perform such other functions as may be prescribed. 

 

 18. Special powers of the Chairman.- The Chairman shall have 
special powers to act on his own and direct measures for effective realization 
of the object in cases of urgency where there is no sufficient time  to  

convene  a meeting of the Board, the Chairman shall take action and place  
the  subject before the Board at its immediate next meeting and seek 

ratification. 
 19. Power to delegate.- The Board may, by notification, direct that 
any power exercisable by it under this Act except the power to make 

regulation, may also be exercised by the Chairman or such officer of the 



 

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Board as may be specified in the notification subject to such restrictions and 

conditions as may be specified there in. 
 20. No other Board or person to undertake development without 
permission of the Board.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any 

other law for the time being in force, except with the previous consultation, 
concurrence and written permission of the Board, no other Board or person 
shall under take any development within the Shree Kshetra Area. 

(2) No local Board shall grant permission for any development referred 
to in sub-section(1), within the Shree  Kshetra  Area,  unless  the  Board  

has granted permission for such development. 
(3) Any Board or person desiring to undertake development referred to 

in sub-section (1), shall apply in writing to the Board for permission to 

under take such development. 
(4) The Board may, after making such inquiry as it deems necessary 

grant such permission without or with such conditions, as it may deem fit. 
(5) Any Board or person aggrieved by the decision of the Board under 

sub-section (4) may, within thirty days from the date of the decision appeal 

against such decision to the State  Government,  whose  decision  thereon  
shall be final: 

Provided that, where the aggrieved Board submitting such  appeal  is 

under the administrative  control  of the  Central Government, the appeal  
shall be decided by the State Government, after consultation with the 

Central Government. 
(6) In case any person or Board does  anything  contrary  to  the  

decision given under sub-section (4), as modified in sub-section (5), the 

Board shall have power to pull down, demolish or remove any development 
under taken contrary to such decision and recover the  cost  of  such  

pulling  down,  demolition  or removal from the person or Board concerned 
after following due process of law. 

 21. Power of entry.-  The Board may authorize any person to enter 

into or upon any land or building with or without assistance of workmen for 
the purposes of,- 

(a) making any enquiry, inspection, measurement or survey 

of land or building; 
(b) examining works under construction and ascertaining the 

course of sewers and drains; 
(c) digging or boring into the sub-soil; 
(d) setting out boundaries and intended lines of work; 

(e) marking boundaries and lines by placing marks and 
cutting trenches; 

(f) ascertaining whether any land is being or has been 

developed in contravention of any plan or in contravention 
of any conditions subject to which such permission has 

been granted; or 
(g) doing any other thing necessary for the efficient 

administration of this Act: 

 Provided that,- 



 

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(i) no such entry shall be made except between the hours 

of sunrise and sunset and without  giving  reasonable  
notice  to the occupier, or if there  be no occupier, to 
the  owner of the land or building: 

(ii) sufficient opportunity shall in every instance be  given  
to enable women or children, if any, to withdraw from 
such land or building; and 

(iii) due regard shall always be had, so far as may be, 
compatible with the exigencies of the purpose for which 

the entry is made, to the social and religious usage of 
the occupants of the land or building entered. 

 

 22. Levy of Fee.-  (1) It shall be lawful for the Board to levy, at such 
rate as may, by regulations be specified, a fee for grant of permission under 

section 20. 
 (2) All fee realized under this Act shall be credited to the Board fund. 

 23. Board fund.- (1) The Board shall have a fund to be called the 

Board Fund which shall be operated by such officers as may be authorized  
by the Board. 

(2) The Board may accept grants, subventions, contributions, 

donations and gifts from the Central Government, the State Government, a 
local authority, any international organization or any individual or body, 

whether incorporated or not, for all or any of the purposes of this Act. 
(3) The State Government shall, every year, make a grant to the Board 

of a sum equivalent to the administrative expenses of the Board till the 

Board is able to  meet its administrative expenses out of its own resources. 
(4) All moneys received by or on behalf of the Board by virtue of this 

Act, and all interests, profits, and other moneys accruing to or borrowed by 
the Board, shall be credited to the Board Fund. 

(5) Except as otherwise directed by the State  Government,  all  

moneys and receipts specified in the foregoing provisions and forming part 
of the Fund shall be deposited in any Scheduled Bank as defined in the 
Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934(Central Act 2 of 1934) or invested in such 

securities, as may be approved by the State Government. 
(6) The Fund and all other assets vesting in the Board shall be held 

and applied by it, subject to the provisions of and for the purposes of this 
Act. 

 24. Budget.-  The Board shall prepare, every year, in such form and 

at such time as may be prescribed, an annual budget estimate in respect of 
the next financial year showing the estimated receipts and disbursements of 
the Board and shall submit a copy there of to the State Government. 

 25. Annual  report.-  The Board shall, after the end of each year 
prepare in such form and before such date as may be prescribed,  a  report  

of  its activities during such year and submit to the State Government and 
the State Government shall cause a  copy of such report to be laid before 
both Houses of the State Legislature. 



 

16 
 

 

 26. Subventions and loans to the Board.- (1) The State Government 
may, from time to time, make subventions to the Board for the purposes of 
this Act on such terms and conditions, as the State Government may 

determine. 
 (2) The State Government may, from time to time advance loans to the 
Board on  such terms and  conditions;  not inconsistent with the provisions 

of this Act, as the State Government may determine. 

27. Power of Board to borrow.- The Board may from time to time, 

with the previous sanction of the State Government and subject to the 
provisions of this Act, and to such conditions as  may be  prescribed  in  this 
behalf,  borrow any sum required for the purposes of this Act. 

28. Accounts and Audit.- (1) The Board shall cause to be maintained 
proper books of accounts and such other books as the rules made under 

this Act may require and shall prepare in accordance with such rules an 
annual statement of accounts. 

(2) The Board shall cause its accounts to be audited annually by the 

Principal Director, Karnataka State Audit and Accounts Department. 
(3) As soon as the accounts of the Board have been audited, the Board 

shall send a copy there of together with a copy of the report  of  the  audit 

there on to the State Government and  shall  cause the  accounts to be 
published in the prescribed manner and place copies there of for sale  at  a  

reasonable price. 
(4) The Board shall comply with such directions as the State 

Government may, after perusal of the report of the auditor, think fit to 

issue. 
 
 

CHAPTER – V 

MISCELLANEOUS 
 

 29. Directions by the Board.- (1) The Board may, in order to carry 

out the assignment plans and schemes formulated under section 17 or any 
town planning scheme issue directions to any local authority, Urban 

development Board concerned, Karnataka Urban Water Supply and 
Sewerage Board, Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation and such 
other bodies as are connected with developmental activities in the Shree 

Kshetra Area. 
 (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time 
being in force, every such direction shall be complied with by the body to 

which it is issued. On failure, it shall be competent for the Board to take 
necessary action to carry out the directions issued under sub-section (1) 

and recover expenses, if any, incurred there for from the body concerned. 



 

17 
 

 30. Penalty for breach of the provisions of the Act.- Whoever 

contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or of any rule, regulation, or 
bye-law or scheme made or sanctioned there under shall be punishable with 
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which 

may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both and in the case of 
continuing contravention, with additional imprisonment for a term which 
may extend  to one month or with fine which may extend to five hundred 

rupees or with both for each day after the first during which the 
contravention continues. 

 31. Offences by Companies.- (1) If the person committing an offence 
under this Act is a company, every person who at the time the offence was 
committed was in charge of and responsible to the company for the conduct  

of its business as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the 
offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished 

accordingly: 
 Provided that, nothing contained in this sub-section  shall  render  
any such person liable to any punishment provided in this Act, if he proves 

that the offence was committed without this knowledge or that he exercised 
all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence. 
 (2) Not with standing anything contained in such-section (1),where an 

offence under this Act has been committed by a company and it is proved 
that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is 

attributable to any neglect on the part of any director, manager, secretary or 
other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other 
officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to 

be proceeded against and punished accordingly. 
Explanation:-For the purpose of this section,- 

 
(a) “Company” means a body corporate and includes a firm 

or other association of individuals; and 

(b) “Director” in relation to a firm means a partner in the 
firm. 

 32. Sanction of prosecution.- No prosecution for any offence 

punishable under this Act shall be instituted except with the previous 
sanction of the Board or any officer of the Board authorised by it in this 

behalf. 
 33. Board may compromise claims by or against it.- The Board 
may compound or compromise any claim or demand arising out of any 

contract instituted by or against it for such sum of money or other 
compensation as it shall deem sufficient: 
 Provided that, no such claim or demand exceeding fifty thousand 

rupees shall be compounded or compromised except with the previous 
approval of the State Government. 

 34. Members and officers to be public servants.- Every member, 
every officer and other employee of the Board shall be deemed to be a public 
servant within the meaning of section 21of the Indian Penal Code,1860. 



 

18 
 

 35. Protection of action taken in good faith.- 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 or any rule or 
regulation made there under. 

 36. Control by the State Government etc.- (1) The State 
Government may give such directions to the Board as in its opinion are 
necessary or expedient for carrying out the purposes of the Act. The Board 

shall carry out such directions as may be issued from time to time by the 
State Government for the efficient administration  of  this Act and it shall be 

the duty of the Board to comply with such directions. 
 (2) The Board shall furnish to the State Government such reports, and 
other information as the State Government may from time to time require. 

 (3) If in, or in connection with, the exercise of its powers and discharge 
of its functions by the Board under this Act, any dispute arises between the 

Board, and a Local Body or Authority, the decision of the State Government 
on such dispute shall be final. No court shall have the jurisdiction to 
entertain such dispute. 

 37. Application of the Karnataka Public Premises (Eviction of 
unauthorized occupants) Act, 1974 (Karnataka Act 32 of 1974) to  the 
Board Premises.- (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), the State 

Government, may by notification provide from such date as may be specified 
in the notification that the Karnataka Public Premises (Eviction of Un 

authorized Occupants) Act,1974 (Karnataka Act 32 of 1974) shall apply to 
premises belonging to, vesting in, or leased by, the Board as that Act applies 
in relation to public premises. 

 (2) On a notification being issued under sub-section (1) and the  rules 
made there under shall apply to the premises of the Board with the following 

modifications, that is to say,- 
(a) the State Government may appoint any officer of the 

State Government or the Board as it thinks fit, to be the 

competent officer for the purposes of the aforesaid Act; 
and 

(b) references to "public premises" in that Act and those 

rules shall be deemed to be references to premises of the 
Board, and references to "the State Government" in 

section 6, 7, 8,13,14,15 and 16 of that Act shall be 
deemed to be references to the Board. 

 38. Power to amend the schedule.- (1) The State Government may 

by notification add, amend or omit any of the entries in the Schedule. 
(2) Every notification issued under sub-section (1), shall be laid before 

each house of the state legislature. 

(3) The State Government shall notify the Geo-spatial map of the Shree 
Kshetra Area. 

 39. Power to make rules.- (1) The State Government may, after 
previous publication by notification make rules to carry out the purposes of 
this Act. 



 

19 
 

(2) 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 in which it is so laid or the session immediately following both 
Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or decide that  any rule 
should not  be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such 

modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so, however, that any 
such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of 

anything previously done under that rule. 

 40. Power to make regulations.-The Board may subject to the 
provisions of this Act and the rules made under section 39 and  with  the 

previous sanction of the State Government, by notification make regulations 
to carry out the purposes of this Act. 

 41. Removal of difficulties.- (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect 
to the provisions of this Act, the State Government may by order published 
in the Official Gazette, as the occasion may require do anything not 

inconsistent with the provisions of this Act which appears to it to be 
necessary to remove the difficulty: 
 Provided that, no order shall be made under this section after expiry 

of two years from the date of commencement of this Act. 
 (2) Every order made under sub-section(1)shall as soon as may be 

after it is published, be laid before both Houses of the State Legislature and 
shall, subject to any modification which the State  Legislature  may  make, 
have effect as if enacted in this Act. 

 
SCHEDULE 

(See section 2 (n) 
 

Shree Kshetra Area: 
 Savdatti Yellamma Hill, Ramatheertha, Parasgad, Jogul bhavi, Renuka 
except temples 

 

The above translation of                                    

         , 2023 (2024 ರ                : 05) be 

published in the official Gazette under clause (3) of Article 348 of the 
constitution of India. 

 

THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT 

GOVERNOR OF KARANATAKA 
 

By Order and in the name of 
the Governor of Karnataka, 

 
 

 (G. SRIDHAR) 

Secretary to Government 
Department of Parliamentary 

                                                                       Affairs and Legislation