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IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI
BATTU DEVANAND, A. HARI HARANADHA SARMA
Nemaligundla Ranganayaka Swamy Temple, Rep. By Its Executive Officer – Appellant
Versus
Akaveeti Ranganayakulu, S/o. Nagai Raju – Respondent
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. overview of the writ appeal and claims of petitioners (Para 1 , 2 , 5) |
| 2. details of petitioner’s employment and rights (Para 6 , 7) |
| 3. respondent's counterarguments regarding employment (Para 9 , 10) |
| 4. tonsuring recognized as religious work (Para 15 , 17) |
| 5. financial objections deemed insufficient to deny pay (Para 18 , 19 , 22) |
| 6. confirmation of benefits under existing legal circulars (Para 24 , 25) |
| 7. conclusion and directives for religious institution management (Para 26 , 27) |
JUDGMENT :
A. Hari Haranadha Sarma, J.
Introductory :-
This Writ Appeal is directed against the Order dated 12.09.2025 passed by the learned Single Judge of this Court in W.P.No.15232 of 2020.
2. The 4th respondent in the Writ Petition, feeling aggrieved by the said orders, filed the present appeal with a prayer to set aside the orders of the learned singe Judge. Respondents No.1 to 6 herein are the writ petitioners and respondent No.7, 8 and 9 herein are the respondents 1 to 3 in the said Writ Petition.
3. Heard both sides extensively at admission stage.
4. For the sake of convenience, parties will be hereafter referred to as the writ petitioners and the respondents, as and how they are arrayed
Employment in religious institutions must be treated equally; tonsuring work is recognized as religious, warranting equal pay and benefits regardless of financial constraints.
The court established that the Commissioner’s powers under the Endowments Act do not allow for interference in the internal affairs of a Math, distinguishing it from a Temple.
The main legal point established in the judgment is the principle of 'equal pay for equal work' and the applicability of the Circular to part-time employees working for less than four hours.
Regularization of employment requires clear evidence of employer-employee relationships, adherence to constitutional provisions, and formal appointment processes.
Court directs consideration of representation for minimum wages and benefits for religious institution employees.
Point of Law : The A.P. Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions Lease and License Rules, 2003 issued under G.O.Ms provided for licenses being granted through a public tender. Even otherwise the r....
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