The Madras High Court has ordered that the status quo be maintained in a case involving the recruitment of “Archakas” in temples. The issue involves the All India Adi Saiva Sivacharyargal Seva Sangam in T Nagar, which filed a petition asking the court to quash advertisements issued on July 6 this year inviting applications for the posts of Archakas, Odhuvars, and Paricharakar in the State.
It was recommended that Archakas be appointed by those who have completed certificate courses. The petitioner also stated that the State government has been vengeful toward members of the petitioner Sangam and other similar organizations on numerous occasions, demonstrating their malafide purpose.
The petitioner added,” The order is a direct violation of the Sangam members’ and others’ rights. The authorities have failed to recognize that Section 55 of the HRCE Act’s intent cannot be diluted. They have failed to see that the power to appoint Archakas cannot be delegated or assigned to people who are unfamiliar with the Agamas or how temples work.”
Justice Anita Sumanth granted an interim stay on August 5 and said, “The last date for receipt of applications is August 7. Status-quo be maintained thereafter, until further orders.”
The judge subsequently adjourned the case till August 25 and directed the authorities concerned to distribute the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious Institutions Employees (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2020 to the other parties.
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