Thu Dec 19 18:16:05 UTC 2024: ## Madras High Court Upholds Hindu-Only Staffing in Tamil Nadu Temple Colleges
**Chennai, Tamil Nadu – December 20, 2024** – The Madras High Court has ruled that only Hindus can be appointed to teaching and non-teaching positions in self-financing colleges and schools established using temple funds by the Tamil Nadu government’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. This decision comes after a Muslim candidate, Suhail, challenged the Hindu-only clause in job advertisements for Arulmighu Kapaleeswarar Arts and Science College in Chennai.
The ruling follows the HR&CE Department’s announcement in 2021 to establish ten new colleges on temple lands, adding to the five already existing. While the initial plan was largely welcomed, the religious requirement for staff sparked controversy.
The court dismissed Suhail’s petition, accepting the government’s argument that while non-Hindus may access certain areas of temples, the staffing of institutions funded by temple funds is a different matter. The court deemed the rule permitting non-Hindus in temples as exceeding the authority of the rule-making body.
The decision, however, contrasts with the generally observed inter-religious harmony within the state, a point noted in the original report. The ruling is expected to fuel further debate on religious freedom and employment practices in Tamil Nadu.
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