SC refuses to hear PIL on temple priests' wages

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions for framing a uniform wage and welfare framework for priests, sevadars, and temple staff working in state-controlled temples across the country.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed disinclination to interfere in the matter and refused to entertain the plea filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, who appeared in person.

After the apex court indicated its unwillingness to examine the issue, Upadhyay sought permission to withdraw the petition with liberty to approach the appropriate authorities.

The Justice Vikram Nath-led Bench thereafter dismissed the matter as withdrawn.

"The petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the plea with liberty to approach the appropriate authorities. The petition is dismissed as withdrawn," the top court recorded in its order.

The plea had sought directions to the Centre and state governments to constitute a judicial commission or expert committee to review the wages and service conditions of priests, sevadars, and temple staff in temples under government control. The petition also sought a declaration that priests and temple staff fall within the definition of "employee" under Section 2(k) of the Code on Wages, 2019, making them entitled to minimum wages and other labour welfare protections.