Karnataka's 2025 Devadasi BillCEFR B1
28 Nov 2025
Adapted from Sumit Kumar Singh, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by zablanca_clicks, Unsplash
The Devadasi system began as a temple role where women performed rituals, dance and music. Over centuries the system changed and many Devadasis lost their traditional roles and faced exploitation. The issue remains in parts of India despite earlier laws.
The Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2025, marks a shift from criminal prohibition to a rights-based, participatory model. The drafters consulted more than 15,000 Devadasi women, activists and scholars. The Bill promotes a principle of conscientisation through public campaigns and health and legal education, and it defines Devadasis as rights-bearers.
Key measures include legal identity for children, a taluk Committee process to ascertain paternity, District Court-ordered DNA testing and a presumption of legitimacy so a child may inherit. The Bill also provides compensation, housing support with basic standards, and preferential land reservation and cooperative farming to support economic independence.
Advocates welcomed the Bill. Manjula Malagi of Sakhi Trust said the Act follows years of advocacy. R. V. Chandrashekar Ramenahalli described it as “a holistic and rights-based legislation rooted in constitutional morality.”
Difficult words
- marginalization — Being treated as unimportant or ignored.
- exploitation — Using someone unfairly for benefit.
- empower — To give someone power or confidence.
- inclusion — Including everyone in a group or activity.
- oppression — Unjust control or treatment of people.
- legislation — A law or set of laws made by a government.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What impact do you think the 2025 Bill will have on the Devadasi community?
- How can society better support marginalized communities like the Devadasis?
- Why is it important to focus on empowerment and inclusion?
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