New Delhi, 08 November: The Supreme Court has refused to cancel its order maintaining status quo on the appointment of priests in the temples of Agama tradition (Agama traditions include Yoga and Self Realization concepts, some include Kundalini Yoga, asceticism, and philosophies ranging from Dvaita (dualism) to Advaita (monism)) in Tamil Nadu.
Justice AS Bopanna rejected the Tamil Nadu government’s argument that the state government had the right to appoint priests. The next hearing of the case will be on January 25, 2024.
During the hearing, lawyer Dushyant Dave, appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, said that the appointment of priests is a secular function and the state government has the right to appoint them.
The Court then said that the State Government was not following the procedures laid down under the Agama traditions in the appointment of priests in the temples of a particular sect.
In fact, the Supreme Court was hearing petitions alleging that the Tamil Nadu government was interfering in the hereditary scheme of appointment of priests in Agama temples, which allows students from other sects to undergo a one-year certificate course for priests in schools. Allows people from India to become priests.
On September 25, the Supreme Court had ordered to restore status quo in the appointment of priests.
