State Act

The Telangana Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,- (a) “dedication” means the performance of any act or ceremony by whatever name called, by which a woman is dedicated to the service of a Hindu diety, Idol, object of worship, temple or other religious institution or place of worship and includes tying “tali with jakini” to a woman or tying a woman by a garland to a Garuda Khambham, dhaarana and deeksha; (b) “Devadasi” means any woman so dedicated by whatever name called and includes Basavi, Jogini, parvathi, Mathamma and Thyamma; (c) “Government” means the State Government; (d) “notification” means a notification published in the 3Telangana Gazette and the word “notified” shall be construed accordingly. (e) “Woman” means female of any age.