Temple's Abodes Of Deities, Not Training Centres: Madras HC Restrains State From Conducting 'Knowledge Training' Under Temples' Chief Priests

The Madras High Court has restrained the state government from conducting practical training under a Chief Priest for candidates who have completed courses from Archakar Training Schools run by temples under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department. The Tourism, Culture, and Religious Endowment Department passed a Government Order dated July 27, 2023, stating that candidates who have completed certificate courses from the Archakar Training Schools run by the temples under the control of the HR&CE Department will be sent for one-year training under the senior Archakas/ Gurukals to gain practical knowledge in Agamas. The petitioners, President and Joint Secretary of the Thirukovil Sudhanthira Paribalana Sthalatharkal Sabha had challenged this Government Order in the present petitions alleging that the GO was illegal and contemptuous since it did not prescribe the Agamas and rituals of the temples which was mandatory as per the previous orders of the High Court. Counsel for Petitioners: Mr.RSingaravelan Senior Counsel for Mr.R.Selvanayagam Counsel for Respondents: Mr.R.Shanmuga Sundaram Advocate General assisted by Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan Special Government Pleader Mr.S.P.Maharajan Special Government Pleader and Ms.A.G.Shakeena Government Advocate, Mr.Veera Kathiravan Additional Advocate General assisted by Mr.M.Muthugeethayan Citation: 2023 LiveLaw 390 Case Title: Sri Subramaniyaswami, Thirukovil Sundhanthirai Paribalana Sthalatharkal Sabha v. The Commissioner, HR&CE Case No: W.P.No.22347 of 2023