Section 12 in The Orissa Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1951
12. Power to enter religious institutions.
(1)The Commissioner, [the Deputy Commissioner] [Inserted vide O.A.No. 29 of 1978.] and Assistant Commissioners and such other officers professing Hindu religion as may be authorised by the Commissioner in this behalf shall have power to enter [subject to the local practice, customs or usages] [Inserted vide O.A. No. 18 of 1954.] [the premises of any religious institution or] [Inserted vide O.A. No. 18 of 1954.] any place of worship at any reasonable hour for the purpose of exercising any power conferred, or discharging any duty imposed, by or under this Act.[* * *] [Omitted vide O.A. No. 18 of 1954.](2)If any such officer is resisted in the exercise of such power or discharge of such duty, the Magistrate having jurisdiction shall, on a written requisition form such officer, direct any Police Officer not being below the rank of Sub-Inspector to render such help as may be necessary to enable the officer to exercise such power or discharge such duty.(3)Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorise any person who is not a Hindu to enter the premises or place referred to it Sub-section (1) or any part thereof.
