CHENNAI: The first honour in a temple must always belong to the deity, and special honours can never be claimed as a right, the Madras High Court has stated.

A case was filed by the Srirangam Srimath Andavan Ashramam, challenging the withdrawal of the 'Pancha Mudhirai Mariyadhai that had been extended to their pontiff since 1992 at the Devaraja Swamy Temple in Kancheepuram.

When the case came up for hearing before Justices SM Subramaniam and C Kumarappan, the HR&CE Department submitted that special honours are currently being given only to the heads of five mutts: the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam -- Sankar Mutt, Sri Ahobila Mutt, Nanguneri Sri Vanamamalai Mutt, Mysore Sri Parakala Jeeyar Mutt, Udupi Sri Vyasarayar Mutt, and Sosale.

Recording this, the judges observed that the first honour in a temple always belongs to the deity, and that special honours cannot, at any time, be demanded as a matter of right. The court then disposed of the petition.

The judges further said that decisions regarding honours to pontiffs must be taken by the competent authorities under the HR&CE Act. They permitted the petitioner to approach the appropriate HR&CE authority for relief, if so desired.