Tamil Nadu, 19 February (H.S.): Non-Brahmin priests in Tamil Nadu have alleged that they are being excluded from performing temple rituals despite a court order allowing them to do so. The priests, who belong to the Archaka Sangam, a union of non-Brahmin priests, have accused the state government and temple authorities of ignoring the court order and denying them the right to perform rituals.

The Madras High Court had earlier ruled that non-Brahmin priests could perform rituals in temples, but the priests claim that the order has not been implemented. We have been fighting for our rights for years, but the government and temple authorities are not willing to give us our due, said a spokesperson for the Archaka Sangam.

The priests have threatened to launch a state-wide protest if their demands are not met.The issue has sparked a debate on caste-based discrimination in temples, with many arguing that it is time to end the traditional monopoly of Brahmin priests over temple rituals.

The Tamil Nadu government has promised to look into the matter, but the priests remain skeptical. We have heard promises before, but nothing has changed, said the spokesperson. We will continue to fight for our rights until we are treated with dignity and respect.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary