Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram vehemently opposed the prayer made in the plea. He pointed out that the Rules under challenge were not only applicable for appointment to the post of Archaka, but also others and if they are struck down, the appointment of officers and employees would be unguided.
The Court agreed with this argument stating that the government framed the rules to prescribe eligibility and qualification of officers and employees of the temple.
“It is, however, necessary to apply the doctrine of reading down of those provisions with regard to the appointment of Archakas in the temple or group of temples, which were constructed as per Agamas,” the bench said.
Source: Barandbench
