President’s Refusal Raises Compliance Concerns
THE ARYAVARTH EXPRESS| BENGALURU
The Salasar Balaji Seva Samiti, an organisation set up in 2022 with stated objectives of religious and social service, is facing questions over transparency and statutory compliance after its president, Pramod Murarka, declined to share basic information sought by a member through a formal written request.
Murarka’s refusal — including declining to disclose even the name or contact of the advocate he asked the requester to “speak to” — has triggered concerns over the committee’s functioning and adherence to legal norms.
Foundational Data Withheld: Membership Details Unclear
The committee was constituted on 23 June 2022 with five Founder Trustees.
However, the current membership structure remains unclear. Key questions remain unanswered:
Total number of Life Trustees
Total number of Life Members
Total number of General Members
Despite multiple reminders, the President did not clarify these basic details.
In a society governed by statutory rules, withholding foundational information has raised eyebrows.
Address Change Without Disclosure? Registrar Records Silent
At the time of registration, the trust’s address was recorded under Manit Somani.
According to insiders, the address has since changed.
But:
Was the change of address formally intimated to the Registrar of Societies?
If so, where is the documentary proof?
If not, why was the mandatory disclosure skipped?
Any unreported address change constitutes a violation of compliance norms.
The absence of clarity amplifies concerns.
Donation Receipts Issued, But No Audit Trail in Public Domain
The Samiti reportedly collects donations and issues receipts.
Yet, when queried:
Has an annual audit been conducted each year?
Have the audited financials been filed with the Registrar?
If not, what explains the lapse?
The President declined to respond.
For an organisation receiving public donations, the absence of transparent financial reporting is a serious matter.
Temple Construction: Objective on Paper, Progress Unknown
The trust’s objectives list 20 activities, including Point 19 — construction of a temple.
More than two years since its inception, there is no publicly available documentation to indicate progress:
No blueprint
No project report
No preparatory applications
The lack of movement on a key religious commitment has led to further questions about the committee’s priorities and utilisation of funds.
No Documents Filed With Registrar: A Significant Gap
Sources familiar with the Registrar’s office confirm that the committee has not filed any mandatory documents since registration.
Under the Societies Registration Act, trusts are expected to file annual reports, audited accounts, changes in membership, and address updates.
Non-filing for multiple years can attract scrutiny and potential action.
Turning Point: “Speak to My Advocate” — But No Advocate Identified
When information was formally sought with a seven-day notice period, Murarka reportedly responded:
“Please contact my advocate.”
However, he refused to share the advocate’s identity or contact details.
This response, unusual for a registered organisation, has added to the perception of opacity.
Legal Experts: Several Lapses May Fall Within Actionable Territory
Legal experts consulted by this newspaper note that the issues raised — including non-audit, non-filing, undisclosed address change and absence of statutory records — may constitute breaches of the Societies Registration Act and related financial regulations.
“These are not minor procedural lapses. If substantiated, they may attract inspection or inquiry,” a senior legal practitioner said.
Conclusion: Questions Mount, Clarity Absent
The refusal to share basic information, coupled with missing statutory records and unanswered questions on financial and administrative matters, places the Salasar Balaji Seva Samiti under a cloud.
For an organisation functioning in the name of public faith and service, the lack of transparency is troubling.
Whether regulatory authorities will now step in to examine the committee’s compliance history remains to be seen.
