Supreme Court Refuses To Hear Plea Seeking Uniform Wages For Temple Priests

The Supreme Court of India on Monday refused to entertain a public interest litigation seeking directions for a uniform wage and welfare framework for priests, sevadars and temple staff working in state-controlled temples across the country.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed unwillingness to interfere in the matter while hearing the plea filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, who appeared in person.

After the court indicated its disinclination to examine the issue, Upadhyay sought permission to withdraw the petition with liberty to approach the appropriate authorities.

“The petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the plea with liberty to approach the appropriate authorities. The petition is dismissed as withdrawn,” the bench recorded in its order.

What the Petition Demanded

The petition had sought directions to the Centre and state governments to form a judicial commission or expert committee to review wages and service conditions of priests, sevadars, and temple workers in temples administered by state authorities. It also sought a declaration that priests and temple staff fall under the definition of ’employee’ under Section 2(k) of the Code on Wages, 2019, thereby making them eligible for minimum wages and labour welfare protections.

The plea argued that governments establish an employer-employee relationship with temple workers once they exercise administrative, financial and economic control over temples.

According to the plea, many priests and temple staff across states survive on ‘arbitrary honorariums, dakshina-based payments and meagre remuneration’, often between Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000 per month, without pension, healthcare or social security benefits.

The petition referred to temple administration laws in states including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala, claiming governments exercise extensive control over appointments, service conditions and revenues while denying labour protections. It further invoked Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, arguing that denial of fair wages and dignified livelihood violates fundamental rights.

Also Read: Gurugram Land Deal Case: Robert Vadra Granted Bail By Delhi Court