Supreme Court Issues Key Orders on Shops for Non-Hindus at Srisailam

By DASI PURNA KARTHIK

On 20 Feb 2025 10:59:52

Supreme Court Issues Key Orders on Shops for Non-Hindus at Srisailam

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued orders continuing the stay on a 2019 Andhra Pradesh High Court judgment that had upheld Government Order (GO) No. 426, issued by the Andhra Pradesh government in 2015. This order prohibits non-Hindus from participating in tenders for managing shops located within temple premises that fall under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act.

Despite the Supreme Court's stay on the High Court’s decision, authorities of the Srisailam Devasthanam proceeded to invite tenders based on GO 426, prompting several shopkeepers to approach the Supreme Court. The case was heard by a two-judge bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan.

During the hearing, legal representatives for the Andhra Pradesh government informed the bench that the temple authorities had already withdrawn the tenders after realizing their mistake. However, lawyers representing the petitioners argued that state authorities had repeatedly issued such tenders and insisted that clear directives be given to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Following these arguments, the Supreme Court reiterated that its previous order issued on February 27, 2020, which stayed the High Court's ruling, remains in effect. The court further clarified that GO 426 should not be implemented until further orders are issued.