The Supreme Court has recently directed the Tamil Nadu government to identify Agama and non-Agama temples across the state and to fill vacant priest posts in non-Agama temples within three months.
A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Rajesh Bindal, in its order dated May 14, instructed the committee—originally formed by the Madras High Court—to carry out this identification task. The Court emphasized that the entire process must be completed within three months from the receipt of the order.
“The entire identification exercise is expected to be completed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order,” the Court stated.
The bench noted that MP Sathyavel Murugan, one of the committee members, would be replaced due to certain objections raised. The reconstituted committee will be headed by former High Court judge Justice M Chockalingam.
"We are inclined to record the statement made on behalf of the State of Tamil Nadu that the Committee appointed by the High Court... would be replaced, with a non-controversial person, to identify the number of Agama Temples as against the number of non-Agama Temples."
Following this identification, the Tamil Nadu government is permitted to fill the vacant priest (archaka) positions in non-Agama temples, but only by strictly following the respective temple’s customs, traditions, and earlier court directions.
The Court also allowed the Commissioner of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department to fill existing vacancies for priests and administrative staff at Shri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, again keeping in view temple-specific customs.
“The Commissioner of the Tamil Nadu HR & CE Department is at liberty to fill up the existing vacancies... by strictly following the due procedure in the light of the requisite customs, usage and practices.”
Agama temples are those that follow the Agama Shastras—ancient texts governing temple rituals, architecture, and priest qualifications. These temples adhere to sect-based traditions such as Shaiva, Vaishnava, or Shakta. In contrast, non-Agama temples evolve through local customs and do not strictly follow Agama principles.
Earlier, in August 2022, the Madras High Court had clarified that the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious Institutions Employees (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2020, would not apply to Agama temples regarding priest appointments. The High Court ruled that only individuals traditionally performing rituals in Agamic temples can be appointed as priests.
However, in September 2023, the Supreme Court stayed the appointment of archakas in Agama temples. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 18.
Counsel for Appellants: Mr. P. Valliappan, Sr. Adv. Mr. Guru Krishna Kumar, Sr. Adv. Mr. G. Balaji, AOR Mr. Neeleshwar Pavani, Adv. Ms. Arzu Paul, Adv. Ms. Vaishnavi, Adv. Mr. Shiv Kumar, Adv.
Counsel for Respondents: Mr. P. S Raman Ag, Sr. Adv. Mr. Dushyant Dave, Sr. Adv. Mr. Jaideep Gupta, Sr. Adv. Mr. R. Shunmugasundaram, Sr. Adv. Mr. E. R Elango, Sr. Adv. Mr. Amit Anand Tiwari Aag, Sr. Adv. Mr. M Sathyanarayanan, Sr. Adv. and other advocates
Case Details : SRIRANGAM KOIL MIRAS KAINKARYAPARAGAL MATRUM ATHANAI SARNTHA KOILGALIN MIRASKAINKARYAPARARGALIN NALASANGAM VERSUS THE STATE OF TAMIL NADU & ORS.| Civil Appeal No(s). 7692/2023
