Madhya Pradesh High Court Issues Notice On PIL Challenging Caste Discrimination In Appointment Of 'Pujari' In State Controlled Temples

The division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain observed, “Notice issued. Shri Abhijeet Awasthi, Deputy Advocate General accepts notice on behalf of respondents and prays for and is granted four weeks' time to file reply to the present petition. Rejoinder, thereto, if any, be filed within two weeks thereafter. List after six weeks.”

A public interest litigation was filed challenging the legality and validity of Madhya Pradesh Vinirdishta Mandir Adhiniyam, 2019 wherein there is no provision for representative capacity of SC, ST & OBC community with respect to the appointment of 'Pujari' in the state controlled temples. It is alleged that only a particular caste/community has been given undue advantage of appointment of 'Pujari' in the said state-controlled temples. Thus, it amounts to caste based discrimination which is unconstitutional, condemnable and impermissible in the eyes of law.

The plea alleges that the current structure of temple administration violates Articles 14 (Equality before law), 15 (Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth), 16 (Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment), 17 (Abolition of Untouchability) & 21 (Protection of Life and Personal Liberty) by denying equal opportunity and perpetuating discrimination against SCs, STs and OBCs community.

The plea further states that the respondent authorities are duty bound to apply reservation policy regarding disbursement of the public fund with respect to salary/remuneration of 'Pujari'.

It is alleged that the non-representation of reserved community in the administrative state-controlled Hindu temples comes under the ambit of 'Denial of Religious Freedom' which is violative of Article 25 and Article 26 of the Constitution of India.

Thus, the counsel for petitioner prayed for directions to the respondents to frame guidelines and take necessary steps to constitute inclusive temple management committees with representation from all sections of society, including marginalized communities.

The matter is listed after six weeks.

Case Title: Anusuchit Jati-Janjati Adhikari Avamkarmchari Sangh (Ajjaks) Vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others, Writ Petition No. 16613 Of 2025

Advocate for Petitioner: Senior Advocate Rameshwar Singh Thakur with Advocate P.K. Shah

Advocate for State: Deputy Advocate General Abhijeet Awasthi