Temple Entry Cannot Be Denied To Persons Based On Caste : Madras High Court
Denying temple entry to persons on the ground that they are members of the Scheduled Caste is impermissible, the Court said.;
The Madras High Court has emphasized that no person can be denied temple entry due to their caste, and action should be taken against any such person discriminating against persons who prevent individuals from participating in temple function. Justice Anand Venkatesh observed that preventing people from entering temples and offering prayers on the basis of their caste was an...
The Madras High Court has emphasized that no person can be denied temple entry due to their caste, and action should be taken against any such person discriminating against persons who prevent individuals from participating in temple function.
Justice Anand Venkatesh observed that preventing people from entering temples and offering prayers on the basis of their caste was an affront to their dignity. The court added that such discrimination cannot be permitted in a country which was governed by the rule of law. The court also remarked that caste and community were human creations and the God was always considered neutral.
“Caste and community are the creations of human beings and god is always considered to be neutral. That apart, preventing persons from offering prayers on the basis that they belong to Scheduled Caste community, is an affront to the dignity of persons who are discriminated based on their caste. This can never be permitted in a country, which is governed by the Rule of law,” the court said.
The court also highlighted that as per Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act 1947, every Hindu, irrespective of his caste or sect, shall be entitled to enter a Hindu temple and offer worship. In case a person was restricted from entry, action could be taken against the concerned persons.
The court also highlighted that the law was brought into force by the State Government to remove the disabilities imposed on certain classes of Hindus against entry to Hindu temples in the State and was the result of a long struggle by many leaders who wanted to ensure temple entry for all.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Venkatesan seeking directions to the District Collector, Ariyalur, the Revenue Divisional Officer, and the Assistant Commissioner HR & CE, to permit members belonging to his community to take part in the temple car festival to be held in the Arulmigu Puthukudi Ayyanar Temple and to permit them to worship and conduct other rituals.
Since the HR&CE informed the court that the temple was not within its control, the court directed the District Collector and the RDO to ensure that all classes of Hindus are permitted to enter the temple and participate in the festival.
The court added that in case anyone prevented the persons belonging to the scheduled caste community from participating in the festival, action should be taken in accordance with law. The court also asked the authorities to ensure that no law and order problem arises during the celebration.
Counsel for the Petitioner: Mr.Deepika S
Counsel for the Respondent: Mr.T.M.Rajangam, Government Advocate, Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan Special Government Pleader, Mr.V.Meganathan Government Advocate [Crl Side]
Case Title: Venkatesan v. The District Collector and Others
Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Mad) 242
Case No: WP No. 26255 of 2025