PIL in SC Seeks Review of Wages for Priests, Temple Staff in State-Controlled Shrines

NEW DELHI, May 10: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking directions to the Centre and state governments to review wages and benefits of priests, sevadars and temple staff in state-controlled temples.

The plea, filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, urges the constitution of a judicial commission or expert committee to examine remuneration and service conditions of temple personnel under government control.

The petition also seeks a declaration that priests and temple staff qualify as “employees” under Section 2(k) of the Code on Wages, 2019, arguing that state control over temple administration establishes an employer-employee relationship. It contends that denial of fair wages violates the right to livelihood under Article 21 of the Constitution.

According to the plea, the issue came to light on April 4 when the petitioner visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple and found that priests and staff were not receiving minimum wages required for a dignified life.

The petition further highlighted protests by temple workers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over low wages, alleging systemic exploitation and violation of minimum wage laws and Directive Principles under Article 43.

It also cited a February 7, 2025 circular issued at Dandayuthapani Swami Temple that barred priests from accepting ‘dakshina’, claiming such measures threaten their livelihood, especially where no formal salaries are provided.

The PIL urged judicial intervention, stating that inflation-adjusted living costs in 2026 have worsened the financial condition of temple workers. Alternatively, it sought directions for welfare measures in line with earlier rulings of the Allahabad High Court. (Agencies)