The court's comment came on a petition by Akhil Kerala Thanthri Samajam (approximately 300 traditional Thanthri families).

The Kerala High Court said on Thursday that the appointment of priests in temples cannot be based on caste or lineage. Doing so cannot be considered an essential religious practice. This work should be based on merit and training.

A bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar said...

The appointment of a priest in a temple is not a religious act, but a task to be performed by a secular/civil authority (trustee). Appointment based on caste or lineage is not a constitutionally protected right under the Constitution. The court will not recognize any practice that is against human rights or social equality.

The court's comment came on a petition by Akhil

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