The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988

The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988 was introduced to prevent the misuse of religious institutions for any unlawful or anti-social activity. The act defines a religious institution as any temple, mosque, church, gurudwara, mutt or any other place of worship. The act prohibits any person from using a religious institution for any purpose other than that of religious worship or religious instruction. The act empowers the state government to appoint an officer to take charge of the management of any religious institution if it is found that the institution is being misused. The act also lays down provisions for the appointment of trustees or committee members to manage the affairs of religious institutions and their properties. The act prescribes penalties for contravention of its provisions.