PIL in SC for reviewing wages of priests, sevadars and temple staff in govt.-controlled temples
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
An advocate filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court seeking a judicial commission or expert committee to review wages and benefits for priests and temple staff in state-controlled temples.
Background
The petitioner argues that temple staff are employees under the Code on Wages, 2019. The plea cites protests in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regarding the lack of minimum wages and a Tamil Nadu circular prohibiting priests from accepting 'Dakshina' in 'aarti plates'.
Facts for Prelims
- FactCode on Wages, 2019: The central legislation cited as the basis for employee status of temple staff.
- ConstitutionArticle 21: Cited in the plea as the basis for the right to a dignified livelihood.
- PlaceAndhra Pradesh and Telangana: States where protests occurred regarding minimum wages for priests.
For Mains
Q. Examine the constitutional implications of the employment status of temple staff in state-controlled religious institutions and the right to a dignified livelihood.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Legal ambiguity: Conflict between traditional religious practices and modern labor law protections under the Code on Wages.
- Administrative friction: Balancing state regulatory oversight of religious institutions with the individual rights of temple employees.
- Economic disparity: Lack of standardized wage structures for non-traditional service providers in state-managed religious spaces.
Keywords: Right to Livelihood · Code on Wages · State-controlled institutions · Judicial Review · Dignified Wages
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