The new rules of the Hindu Religious Charities Department have been brought in 2020 regarding the appointment of priests and priests in temples in Tamil Nadu and the working conditions. In it, it is stated that only persons between the age of 18 to 35 years can be appointed as priests and must have completed one year of training in Agama schools.
First Published Aug 22, 2022, 11:08 AM IST
The Madras High Court has given a sensational verdict that the government rules regarding the appointment of priests in Tamil Nadu temples will apply.
The new rules of the Hindu Religious Charities Department have been brought in 2020 regarding the appointment of priests and priests in temples in Tamil Nadu and the working conditions. In it, it is stated that only persons between the age of 18 to 35 years can be appointed as priests and must have completed one year of training in Agama schools.
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Against these rules, organizations including the All India Adishaiva Sivacharyas Seva Sangam and individuals had filed cases in the Madras High Court. The Madras High Court, which heard these cases, had ordered in October 2021 that the appointment of priests was bound by the final judgment of this case. Later, the first bench headed by Chief Justice Munishwarnath Bhandari heard the case.
It was then contended by the petitioners that in the absence of hereditary trustees appointed for the temples, the appointment of priests by the government through dhakars was illegal and only the trustees had the power to appoint priests. He alleged that the Tamil Nadu government has announced that all castes who have completed priestly training will be appointed as priests in violation of the Agama rules that only people belonging to certain sects should be appointed as priests. On the part of the Hindu Religious Endowment Department, it was explained that following the order issued by the High Court last June to fill the vacancies of priests, reciters, butters and other staff in temples, priests are appointed by the temple executive officers. In the case of Shivacharyas, the government also argued that the Supreme Court had ruled that those who studied Agama can become priests.
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After the completion of arguments on all sides, the Chief Justice’s bench has decided these cases today, while the case has been adjourned for an unspecified date. In it, the government rules regarding the appointment of priests in Tamil Nadu temples will go. The Chief Justice bench has issued an order that priests should be appointed as per Agama rules. The Madras High Court ordered the appointment of a five-member committee to find out which temples follow which Agama rules.
Last Updated Aug 22, 2022, 11:25 AM IST
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