Only Those Who Follow Hindu Religion Are Eligible To Work In Temples: Andhra Pradesh High Court

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has issued a ruling asserting that individuals of non-Hindu faiths are not eligible for employment in temples.

The court specified that only those adhering to the Hindu religion are qualified to work in temple positions.

This decision was handed down by Justice Harinath Nunepally in the course of dismissing a petition filed by P Sudershan Babu.

Babu's petition contested his termination from the Srisailam Devasthanam, where he served as a record assistant.

His removal was based on the revelation that he had concealed his Christian identity when securing a compassionate appointment in 2002.

Initially, Babu had claimed to belong to the SC (Mala) community and asserted his Hindu identity to secure the appointment.

However, subsequent to his marriage to a woman from the Christian community in 2010, allegations were filed against him, prompting an inquiry by the Lokayukta.

In response, Babu maintained that he had not hidden his religious affiliation and presented his caste and school certificates.

After a thorough examination of various documents, the Lokayukta determined that Babu had obtained the job by concealing his true religion.

Consequently, the executive officer of the Srisailam temple issued orders for his dismissal.

In 2012, Babu challenged his termination in the High Court.

Justice Harinath, upon reviewing diverse documents during the proceedings, observed that the register of the Holy Cross Church explicitly identified the petitioner's religion as Christian, bearing his signature.

Justice Harinath further remarked that if Babu had married without converting to Christianity, the union should have been registered under the Special Marriages Act, 1954, and a corresponding marriage certificate issued.

However, such formalities were not fulfilled in Babu's case.