State Intervention In Appointment Of Archakas: A Critical Analysis

Prithvi K G, LLM, Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam

ABSTRACT

Secularism and religion often are at crossroads due to several factors. Secularism in India does not only separate religion from the State, but also inculcates the ideal that the integrity and autonomy of the religion and religious institutions should not be disturbed unless it is hit by the constitutionally mandated restrictions. When religious rights are granted fundamental importance in a secular State, there should be harmony between the religious rights and secular rights. The author identifies appointment of archakas as one of the factors influencing such harmony and addresses the issue by reflecting upon the conundrum revolving around their appointment in the State of Tamil Nadu. This article tries to explore the possible alternative interpretation by understanding coherently the effect and purpose of their appointment.