Madras High Court directs HR & CE Department to address atrociously low salaries of temple staff

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Published 4 November 2026

Case: Not stated in the source
Court: Madras High Court
Bench: Justice N. Anand Venkatesh
Citation: Not stated in the source
Source: LiveLaw

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

The Madras High Court, in a recent order, directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department to intervene and address the 'atrociously low' salaries paid to temple staff. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh observed that the current remuneration is insufficient for a dignified life, emphasizing the need for a fair wage structure.

Ratio Decidendi · Legal Principle Established

The court held that temple staff, despite their dedicated service, are entitled to a fair and dignified wage that allows them to lead a respectable life, and the HR & CE Department has a duty to ensure such remuneration.

Practice & Procedural Impact for Advocates

Advocates representing temple staff can file petitions seeking intervention from the HR & CE Department for salary revisions. Litigants working in temples can expect the HR & CE Department to formulate schemes for improved remuneration, potentially leading to increased wages and better working conditions.

Key Legal Takeaways

1Temple staff are entitled to fair and dignified wages.
2The HR & CE Department has a responsibility to ensure proper remuneration for temple employees.
3Courts can direct administrative bodies to address inadequate salary structures.

The Legal Issue The Madras High Court addressed the issue of extremely low salaries paid to temple staff, noting that the existing remuneration was 'atrociously low' and insufficient for them to lead a dignified life. The court observed that despite their dedicated service, these employees were struggling due to inadequate wages.

Court's Reasoning Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court emphasized that temple staff, like any other employees, deserve a fair wage that enables them to live with dignity. The court highlighted the responsibility of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department to ensure that temple employees are adequately compensated. The court's reasoning centered on the principle that no individual should be forced to work for wages that are below a reasonable standard, especially when their work contributes significantly to religious institutions.

What Follows The Madras High Court directed the HR & CE Department to take immediate steps to address the issue of low salaries for temple staff. The department is now mandated to formulate appropriate schemes and mechanisms to ensure that temple employees receive fair and dignified wages. This directive aims to improve the financial conditions of temple staff across the state.