(1) The Board or the officer authorized by it may suspend, remove or dismiss the pujari of the Shrine,—
(a) for wilful disobedience of any order issued under the provisions of this Act by the Board or the Government;
(b) for any malfeasance, misfeasance, breach of trust or neglect of duty in respect of the Shrine or alienation of any property, in contravention of this Act;
(c) for any misappropriation of, or improper dealing with, the properties of the Shrine of which he is a pujari;
(d) for having been found under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs in the Shrine; and
(e) for unsoundness of mind or other mental or physical defect or infirmity which renders him unfit for discharging the functions of a pujari:
Provided that no pujari shall be removed or dismissed by the Board or the officer authorized by it under this section unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
(2) A Pujari, who is suspended, removed or dismissed by the Board or the officer authorised by it under sub-section (1), may, within one month from the date of receipt of the order of suspension, removal or dismissal, prefer an appeal to such authority and in the manner as may be prescribed.
(3) A pujari so suspended, removed or dismissed may be allowed such maintenance as may be fixed by the Board or the officer authorised by it considering the financial condition of the Shrine.
29. A person shall be disqualified for being appointed as, and for continuing to be, a pujari,—
(a) if he is an undischarged insolvent;
(b) if he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court;
(c) if he is interested either directly or indirectly in a subsisting lease or any property of, or contract made with, or any work being done for, the Shrine or is in arrears of any dues payable to the Shrine;
(d) if he is appearing as a legal practitioner on behalf of or against the Shrine;
(e) if he has been sentenced by a criminal court for an offence involving moral turpitude, and such sentence has not been reversed;
Power to suspend, remove or dismiss.
Disqualifications of pujaris.
[1991 : Hr. Act 14SHRI MATA MANASA DEVI SHRINE 163
(f) if he has acted adversely to the interest of the Shrine;
(g) if he is an addict to intoxicating liquors or drugs;
(h) if he has not completed twenty-one years of age; and
(i) if he ceases to profess Hindu religion or persuation or to belong to the religious denomination to which the Shrine pertains.