Madras High Court Commented On The Appointment Of Temple Priests- “Caste Cannot Be Considered As The Basis”

Madras High Court Commented On The Appointment Of Temple Priests- “Caste Cannot Be Considered As The Basis”

The Madras High Court has made an important comment regarding the appointment of priests. The court has said that caste has no role in the appointment of priests in the temple. In this only it should be seen that how much the person is capable. He should be well versed in his work, trained and should be able to perform worship according to the need. The High Court has clearly stated that if any person fulfills all these criteria then caste will have no role to play in it reported news18.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh made this comment while giving his verdict on a 2018 petition on Monday. In this case, the advertisement regarding the appointment of the priest was challenged citing caste as the basis. However, the court refused to accept. An advertisement put out by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu in 2018 for the recruitment of priests from Sri Sugavaneswara Swamy Temple was challenged by Muthu Subramaniam Gurukkal.

It was said in the petition that violates their hereditary rights. Subramaniam took over the post of Sthalikam from his grandfather. During the hearing, the judge referred to the decisions of the Supreme Court in the year 2016 in the case of All India Adi Shaiva Shivcharigal Seva Sangam vs. State of Tamil Nadu.

In this case, the Supreme Court had held that the appointment of a temple priest is a secular function and not linked to hereditary rights. The Supreme Court had also accepted that the religious service performed by Archak is a part of secularism. The Madras High Court while giving its verdict also allowed the petitioner to worship till the appointment is made.