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Arun Barua   12 July 2025

Can a temple registered under society registration act can remove a donation plaque?

My ancestors donated a staircase build to enter the main temple which is situated at New Delhi around 55 years ago, and it was dedicated in the memory of our family. It was mentioned in a marble plaque which was installed on the wall where the staircase was built. Now the society has removed/destroyed the said plaque in the name of renovation/expansion. However the society has not taken any consent from the donors as the donor are still alive and lives in New Delhi itself. Is it legal for the society to do so? if not what we can do in this matter to re-install it?


 4 Replies

kavksatyanarayana (subregistrar/supdt.(retired))     12 July 2025

You are a donor of a staircase, but not the entire property of the temple. Are you a member of the society?  When the bylaws of the society allow it, the society can.  For your plaque, you request the society. 

Arun Barua   12 July 2025

Thanks for the reply. I am also a member of the society. If the society doesnt provide me the copy of bylaws, how can I get the copy to go through the rules of the society? legally can I ask the society to re-install the plaque anywhere in the said premises as per the space available?

T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate (Advocate)     13 July 2025

A temple registered under the Societies Registration Act can remove a donation plaque, but it depends on the specific circumstances and the rules governing the society. 

Generally, if the plaque was placed with the donor's consent and the removal doesn't violate any trust conditions or legal agreements, it may be permissible. 

However, if the plaque is part of a contractual agreement or a legally binding document, removal could lead to legal complications.

If the donation plaque was part of a trust deed or a specific agreement with the donor, removing it could be a breach of contract or trust. 

The specific rules and regulations of the society registered under the Societies Registration Act should be reviewed. 

These rules might have provisions about handling donations and donor recognition. 

Removing a donation plaque without a valid reason could raise questions about the temple's management and its commitment to its donors. 

Dr. J C Vashista (Advocate )     13 July 2025

Very well analysed, opined and advised by learned senior experts, which I endorse.

Donor has no claim, right or interest on a donated amount/ palque. It is to be managed by the Society as part of temple property.


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