ASI licence must for photographers, guides at Konark Sun Temple: Orissa HC

The Orissa High Court, on Monday, mandated that photographers and guides at the iconic Konark Sun Temple must possess a minimum qualification of matriculation and obtain licenses from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to operate from the site.

The ruling came after a group of 154 unlicensed photographers challenged a 2017 ASI policy that introduced these requirements.

The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Ratho, upheld the verdict of a Single Judge Bench, reaffirming the necessity of adhering to the updated policy.

The appellants argued that the new requirements jeopardized their livelihoods, as many have been working at the temple for decades without these qualifications.

The court, however, cited that the fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution are subject to reasonable restrictions. They agreed with a similar ruling from the Delhi High Court, emphasizing that acquiring a license through the prescribed selection process does not violate these rights.

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The ASI policy, aimed at regulating photographers in centrally protected monuments, seeks to ensure professionalism and maintain the site's sanctity. The court rejected the appellants' plea for a one-time exception, stating that all are obliged to meet the current standards to operate within the temple premises.

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Incidentally, the ASI, as per its policies, had issued licences to 10 photographers to operate in the Konark Sun Temple. However, later, they filed grievance petitions citing the unchecked operation of unlicensed photographers at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, affecting their livelihood.