ON February 24, 2023, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court issued a controversial judgment, quashing the appointment of trained non-brahmin priests at the Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple in Srirangam taluk, Trichy. The ruling, delivered by Justice GR Swaminathan, has sparked outrage and protests among people from all walks of life.CPI(M) has pointed out that in the present day, the role of the priest is not limited to brahmins alone. Anyone who has received the necessary training, knowledge, and government certification can serve as a priest, regardless of their caste.