Muslim youth files a petition in Madras HC for a job at Hindus’ religious organisation despite knowing its rule of employing only Hindus

Editorial comment

How many Hindus apply to Muslim religious organisations for jobs and how many get such jobs ? How many Hindus will go to Court against the rule of not getting jobs in such organisations ?

Chennai – Only Hindus are given jobs at Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Arts and Science College run under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department of the State. The same rule is followed at all the organisations operating under the aegis of this Department. Even then, a Muslim youth named A. Suhail has filed a petition to get a job at this college.

37 year old Indian Muslim A. Suhail, files case in high court demanding equal job opportunities in Hindu Temples and other religious institutions,

Says since Hinduism is not a religion & just a way of life,he has equal rights for jobs

Leftovers of 1947 https://t.co/ZnuEjeKOwE

— Ritu (सत्यसाधक) #EqualRightsForHindus (@RituRathaur) October 22, 2021

It has been stated in the petition by Suhail that the Supreme Court has said while defining the word ‘Hindu’ that the word ‘Hindu’ does not denote any religion nor it is not ‘Dharma’ but it is a way of living life. In such a case, how can it be proved whether the applicant is a Hindu or not ? Therefore, Muslims or Christians cannot be stopped from applying for jobs in any college. It has also been explained in the Constitution that a State cannot discriminate based on religion; so the condition stipulated for giving jobs is against the Constitution. Teaching and other non-teaching posts have no connection with religious activities and people of all religions should be allowed to apply for these posts.

Before the filing of this petition, K Pandiyan, the former President of ‘Association of University Teachers’ had criticised the decision of the Charity Department. He had said that appointment based on religion by any department run by the State Government is discriminatory. He also gave an example of the Madurai Wakf Board where many non-Muslims are working.