The Kerala High Court ruled that the appointment of santhis (temple priests) cannot be restricted to a specific caste or ancestry. Such caste-based or lineage restrictions do not qualify as essential religious practices under the Constitution of India.
Acting Chief Justice R. Mahadevan has accepted a PIL seeking the removal of Sai Baba idols from Hindu temples under the control of HR&CE department. The petitioner argues that it goes against traditional Hindu worship principles and practices. The petition highlights Sai Baba’s Muslim faith and asserts that placing his idol in Hindu temples contradicts ancient scriptures governing temple rituals.
