The State also elaborated on its reason for coming up with the legislation in its affidavit, which was filed by the Deputy Secretary of the law and judiciary department.
The State claimed to have received several complaints against the priestly classes which made it necessary for the State to enact PTA to abolish all hereditary rights and privileges of ministrants and priestly classes functioning in the temples.
The government reiterated that the Act was enacted in the public interest and to safeguard economic and secular activities. It did not interfere with the religious rights of the citizens, the State added.
“The Act was introduced in the interest of the general public and intended to bring about changes in economic, financial, political or other secular activities as well as providing for social welfare and reform associated with religious practice. The Act did not affect any protected religious right guaranteed to any pilgrim or devotee and safeguarded the performance of religious rites and observance of religious practices in accordance with the prevailing traditional usage and custom,” the affidavit highlighted.
Source: Barandbench
