
Preventing SC community from entering temples can't be allowed: Madras High Court
'Irrespective of the caste or community of the devotees, they must be permitted to offer prayers to god. That apart, preventing persons from offering prayers on the basis that they belong to SC 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,' said Justice N Anand Venkatesh in an order passed on Thursday.
He noted that section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947, makes it abundantly clear that notwithstanding any law, custom or usage to the contrary, every Hindu irrespective of the caste or section shall be entitled to enter any Hindu temple and offer worship therein.
If they are restricted, it will amount to an actionable wrong/offence. This act came into force after a long struggle by many leaders who wanted to ensure no caste discrimination. The Act was brought into force as a policy taken by the state government to remove the disabilities imposed on certain classes of Hindus against entry into Hindu temples in the state, he pointed out.
Justice Venkatesh made the observations while issuing orders to the authorities of the Ariyalur district including the collector to take action to ensure SC community persons are not prevented from entering into the Puthukudi Ayyanar Temple in Udaiyarpalayam for worship and do the rituals.
The order was issued on the petition filed by A Venkatesan who alleged his community is prevented from entering into the temple for worship. He wanted directions to the authorities to allow them to worship during the car festival from July 16 to 31.
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With Inputs from Reuters About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Cambodia thailand view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 25, 2025, 13:06 IST News world Thailand-Cambodia Tension: Should Travellers Cancel Their Trip? Dos & Don'ts In The 2 Countries Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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