Karnataka High Court Orders Digital Controls for Hindu Temple Finances

Technology-based financial safeguards

The Karnataka High Court has issued directions to improve accounting and protection of money, offerings and property belonging to Hindu religious institutions. The Commissioner of the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department must implement the measures with support from the State’s e-Governance Department.

Electronic payment facilities are to be made available, as far as practicable, for hundi offerings, donations, sevas, accommodation, parking, prasada, publications and other temple receipts. Transactions should feed into a central system capable of real-time monitoring.

Verifiable receipts and asset protection

The framework calls for unique, tamper-resistant receipts carrying QR codes that devotees can verify against the central server. The directions also contemplate stronger controls over cash handling, offerings and temple assets so that diversion or under-reporting is prevented at source. Implementation must remain consistent with the governing Karnataka religious-endowments legislation and individual temple administration.