Varanasi Officials Clarify No Seizure Orders for Religious Sites Amid Tax Disputes

Clarification on Seizure Notices for Religious Institutions

In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the municipal commissioner addressed concerns raised by the religious community regarding seizure notices issued for several monasteries and temples due to delayed tax payments. On Thursday, Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal assured that no seizure orders would be enforced on religious sites.

Nagpal explained that under Sections 175 and 177 of the Municipal Corporation Act, 'house tax' does not apply to any monastery, temple, or religious institution.

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He further noted that recent technical changes in the billing system inadvertently led to the issuance of some notices, which are currently being rectified. The commissioner has alerted all revenue inspectors and zonal officers to ensure that no bills are distributed without proper verification.

If any errors are identified, they will be corrected on the same day.

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The official reiterated that no seizure orders would be applied against religious sites. Additionally, he confirmed that a government order from 2010 continues to provide a 50% exemption on water and sewer taxes for religious and charitable institutions.