How are Hindu temples administered and who is a shebait in Mangalore?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Hindu temples in Mangalore are administered by a shebait or a trustee who manages the temple property and conducts worship. The Karnataka High Court has held that a shebait has both a beneficial interest and a fiduciary duty in the debottar property.

Under the Karnataka Rent Control Act 1999 and the relevant state temple legislation, the shebait must maintain the deity, conduct daily worship, and preserve temple assets. The office of shebait is hereditary or contractual depending on the terms of the endowment.

The state government or devaswom board may assume administration of temples under statutory schemes. A shebait can be removed for mismanagement or non-performance of religious duties.