The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to the state government on a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the policy governing the appointment of priests in government-controlled temples. The petitioner has alleged that the existing policy effectively restricts appointments to members of the Brahmin community, thereby denying opportunities to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Hearing the matter on Thursday, a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal directed the state government to file its response within four weeks.

2019 Appointment Policy Under Judicial Review

The PIL has been filed by M.C. Ahirwar, Secretary of AJAKS, Bhopal, challenging the policy issued by the Religious Trusts and Endowments Department on February 4, 2019 for the appointment of priests in temples managed by the state government.

The petitioner has questioned both the policy and appointments made under its provisions, seeking judicial review of the framework governing such recruitments.

Allegation of Caste-Based Exclusion

According to the petition, the present policy allegedly gives preference only to candidates from the Brahmin community, preventing qualified applicants from SC, ST and OBC communities from being considered for priest appointments.

The petitioner contends that such exclusion amounts to discrimination based on caste and violates the constitutional guarantee of equality.

The plea argues that appointments in government-controlled temples should not be restricted to a particular caste if eligible candidates from other communities possess the required qualifications.

Court Issues Notice to State

After hearing preliminary submissions, the High Court issued notices to the State Government and other concerned authorities, directing them to submit their replies within four weeks.

The petition, filed on May 13, 2025, was argued on behalf of the petitioner by Senior Advocate Rameshwar Singh Thakur and Advocate Abhilasha Lodhi.

Government to Clarify Existing Policy

The High Court has sought clarification from the state government regarding the current eligibility criteria and the basis on which priests are appointed in government-controlled temples.

The government's reply is expected to explain whether the existing policy limits appointments to any particular community or whether appointments are made according to prescribed religious qualifications and administrative guidelines.

Important Constitutional Question Before Court

The case is likely to examine a significant constitutional issue concerning appointments in state-managed religious institutions.

The forthcoming proceedings may determine whether priest appointments in government-controlled temples can legally be linked to caste-based eligibility or whether they should be based solely on religious qualifications and other prescribed criteria, consistent with constitutional principles.

The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the state government files its response.