Dear All,
I am an American Buddhist monk currently meditating in the Himalaya. Our Sangha is considering to establish a Public Charitable Trust in HP and establish a meditation centre for public good.
1.What are the Acts and relevant laws involved ? We went online and it is said that "It may, however, be noted that the Indian Trusts Act does not apply to public trusts which can be formed by any person under general law. Under the Hindu Law, any Hindu can create a Hindu endowment and under the Muslim law, any Muslim can create a public wakf. Public Trusts are essentially of charitable or religious nature, and can be constituted by any person." How should we proceed?
2. What are the necessary considerations ? We have received inconsistent legal advice from local lawyers who showed us The Indian Trust Act,1882 as guidelines.
3. Can we establish a Public Charitable Trust first with a sum of money and purchase land for the meditation centre afterwards ?
Thank you very much. Looking forward to your advice.
Yours sincerely,
Ratthapala Bhikshu