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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the Delhi Government to file its response on a plea seeking direction to introduce salary for Pujaris and Pandits in Temples as being given to Imams, Maulvis of Masjids in Delhi.

A bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad heard the arguments and directed the respondents to file their responses on the issue.

The bench was hearing a plea seeking direction to provide salary to the Hindu Pujaris and Pandits. The Counsel appearing in person submitted that they have no problem with the Imams, and Maulvis being given salaries but there has to be something for the Hindus.

The plea alleged that in flagrant violation of Articles 14 and 27 of the Indian Constitution, the Aam Aadmi Party Government has been paying millions to the Delhi Waqf Board for the payment of salaries to Imams, Maulvis, and other members of masjids around Delhi.

The Pujaris of all the temples in Delhi are not compensated in any way, it added. According to the plea, Article 14 of the Indian Constitution is violated when pujaris and priests in temples are not paid.

It has been argued that it is the duty of the Government to be secular, whether at the central or state levels of Government. The plea also raised the contention that Article 27 of the Constitution mentions that "no person shall be compelled to pay taxes, the proceeds of which are specifically appropriated in payment of expenses for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination".

In view of the above, the plea sought direction for the Delhi Government to provide salaries to the Pujaris of Temples or stop providing salaries to the Imams and Maulvis of Masjids.

Case Title: Gargi Khanna Vs. State of NCT of Delhi and Anr.