Orissa High Court Upholds Minimum Qualification for Konark Temple Guides and Photographers

The Orissa High Court upheld the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) 2017 policy requiring a minimum matriculation qualification for guides and photographers at Konark Sun Temple.

Petitioners, who had worked under earlier relaxed rules, argued the new policy harmed their livelihoods and violated their rights under Article 19(1)(g).

The Court ruled that fundamental rights are subject to reasonable restrictions, emphasizing the need for standardized licensing.

Past work without licenses did not exempt compliance with updated rules. Appeals were dismissed, affirming the 2017 policy's validity.