Saint Community Outcry: Varanasi's Landmark Tax Dispute

The saint community in Varanasi is outraged after receiving tax attachment notices from the Varanasi Municipal Corporation for several mutts and temples. Mahant Balak Devacharya highlighted these unprecedented notices concerning tax arrears. Despite a partial waiver, tensions remain high, with potential for further action from the saints.

The saint community in Varanasi is in uproar following the Varanasi Municipal Corporation's decision to issue tax attachment notices to numerous mutts and temples due to outstanding dues. This move has been called unprecedented by Mahant Balak Devacharya of Patalpuri Mutt, who emphasized the surprising nature of these actions.

This week, several mutts and temples in the city were served notices for pending house, water, and sewer tax arrears. Devacharya revealed that his own Patalpuri Mutt had received a notice citing over Rs 2 lakh in dues. He asserted that religious establishments should not fall under such tax frameworks and threatened that the saint community might protest if their grievances aren't addressed swiftly.

However, Varanasi Municipal Corporation's public relations officer, Sandeep Srivastava, defended the notices, stating they adhered to standard regulations. Although the house tax was subsequently waived, water and sewer taxes remain applicable, suggesting an ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)