Caste Not Mandatory for Temple Priest Appointments, Rules Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court dismissed a plea challenging Rule 6(1)(b)-2(ii) of the Travancore Devaswom Board Officers’ and Servants’ Service Rules, 2022, which required santhis to hold certificates from specified Thanthra Vidyalayas.

The petitioners contended that Agama Shastras and Tantrasamuchayam mandate priest appointments from particular castes or lineages.

The Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar observed that appointments are merit-based through a selection committee and no caste-based restriction applies.

The Court held that restricting the priesthood to certain castes or lineages is not an essential religious practice under law.

[Akhila Kerala Thanthri Samajam & Anr v State of Kerala & Ors.]