'True Meaning Of Secularism...': Centre Opposes Appointment Of Priests By Government Boards

Last Updated:April 09, 2026, 09:59 IST

The Central Government on Wednesday took a veiled dig at a Tamil Nadu law that wrested control of the appointment of 'archakas (priests)' to temples.

The Central Government on Wednesday took a veiled dig at a Tamil Nadu law that wrested control of the appointment of ‘archakas (priests)’ to temples, underlining that the Supreme Court in the past had wrongly termed the appointment of ‘archakas’ a “secular act" when it was purely a religious decision.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing the Centre, said, “If such a law is given imprimatur of the Supreme Court, then even Shankaracharya can be removed", Times of India reported.

In response, a nine-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant argued it doesn’t imply that the priests are above law and cannot be held accountable for their misconduct.

“That does not mean ‘archakas’ would be above law and not held accountable for their misconduct", the bench said.

General Tushar Mehra responded by saying that it is the community which should possess the right to appoint ‘archakas’, if they meet the eligibility criteria in terms of knowledge and rituals.

‘True Meaning Of Secularism Is Non-Interference’

In line with the Modi government’s stance on the scope of the judiciary’s intervention in faith-related issues, Mehta stated, “True meaning of secularism is non-interference of state in religious matters of various denominations. Removal or appointment must adhere to the qualification and experience that have evolved over centuries", as quoted by Times of India. 

According to the report, the bench prima facie agreed the court must not promote social reforms or reforms in religion which undermine the core belief and faith of devotees.

“In the name of reforms, religion itself cannot be harmed," the bench said.

To this, Mehta questioned what expertise judges hold in religious matters to determine who constitutes a denomination.

“The shrines of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti and Nizamuddin Auliya and Shirdi Saibaba are visited by devotees belonging to all denominations, sects and religions. Can the court determine which shrine belongs to which faith?" he asked.

News india 'True Meaning Of Secularism...': Centre Opposes Appointment Of Priests By Government Boards

Read More