'No Bar On Appointment Of Temple Archakas If Agama Clear, Need Not Wait For Report On Agama And Non-Agama Temples', 'Caste No Factor', Says Madras HC

The Madras High Court today (26 June), stated that the "pedigree based on caste" would not play a role in the appointment of Archakas (temple priests). The verdict was given by Justice N Anand Venkatesh in a case filed by Muthu Subramania Gurukal in 2018.

The court clarified that the selection of an Archaka would depend on their knowledge, training, and qualifications to perform pujas and rituals as per the Agama Sastra applicable to the temple.

Subramania Gurukal had challenged a notification for the appointment of Archakas issued by the Executive Officer of Sri Sugavaneswarar Swamy Temple in Salem. He said that the appointments must be made in accordance with the Agama Sastra of the temple.

Following the petition, in 2022, the Madras High Court constituted a committee headed by retired judge M Chockalingam to identify Agamic and non-Agamic temples in the State.

Consequently, Justice Venkatesh faced another question as to whether appointment of priests should be put on hold till the committee submitted its report.

In his verdict, Justice Venkatesh said that Archakas could be appointed before the submission of the report by the temple trustees and 'Fit Persons' appointed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) department if there was no doubt about the Agama Sastra followed by the temple.

He also allowed the Suguvaneswarar Temple to go ahead with the appointment and said that Subramania Gurukal could also apply for the position.

Reacting to the verdict, temple activist TR Ramesh said, "I am yet to see the full order. I have 2 doubts: 1 @tnhrcedept is resisting the order dated 22.08.2022 of Hon’ble 1st Bench which directed formation of Agama Committee under Retd High Court Judge. 2. An HRCE servant cannot be a Fit Person in violation of order of Supreme Court "