The Supreme Court of India will hear a plea requesting the establishment of a judicial commission to review wages for priests and temple staff in state-controlled temples. The petition claims that these workers are not receiving even the minimum wage, violating their right to livelihood, and highlights systemic exploitation in the temple administration.

• 01The plea was filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, who argues that priests and temple staff should be recognized as employees under the Code on Wages, 2019.
• 02The petition cites a recent protest by priests in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana demanding minimum wages.
• 03The plea references an incident in Tamil Nadu where a circular prohibited priests from accepting donations, exposing their precarious financial situation.
• 04The petitioner argues that the state, while controlling temples, is failing to provide dignified wages, violating the minimum wages Act.
• 05The petition also calls for welfare measures for priests and temple staff, referencing previous judgments from the Allahabad High Court.

If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the petition, it could lead to improved wages and working conditions for priests and temple staff, ensuring their right to a dignified livelihood.