High Court relief to priest suspended from Siddipet temple

Hyderabad: The Telangana high court granted interim relief to an archaka (priest) working at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Devasthanam in Siddipet, by suspending the orders that placed him under suspension from duties. These orders were issued by the executive officer (EO) of the Devasthanam. Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka, while observing that the matter requires a hearing, issued interim orders.
In his writ petition, the archaka, Vaidya Raghunath Charyulu, alleged that the EO issued a show cause notice to him due to the pending file relating to the issue of his date of birth with the regional joint commissioner of the endowments department. Despite submitting an explanation, which was pending consideration, he was placed under suspension.

The standing counsel for the endowments department submitted to the high court that, as the explanation was not convincing, he was placed under suspension. After hearing both parties, the court posted the matter for further hearing on June 30.
Dealing with a separate case, the judge gave similar relief to Anand Sarma, a priest working with Jogulamba temple. The priest was facing allegations of discreetly taking the photos of Alampur MLA when the latter was watching a movie in a theatre along with his family. The MLA also charged the priest with behaving in a negligent manner when he visited the temple.
The MLA brought these issues to the notice of the Assembly speaker. Later, the endowments officials placed Anand Sarma under suspension. The judge dealt with a petition filed by Anand Sarma and stayed the suspension order.