Latest news with #TamilNaduTempleEntryAuthorisationAct
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Preventing SC community from entering temples can't be allowed: Madras High Court
CHENNAI: Affirming that every Hindu irrespective of caste or sect is entitled to enter into any temple, the Madras HC said preventing scheduled caste community from entering temples cannot be permitted in the country which is governed by the rule of law. '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.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Can't deny entry into temple on basis of caste, says HC
Chennai: Asserting that caste-based discrimination cannot be permitted in a country governed by the rule of law, Madras high court has ordered legal action against anyone who prevents others' entry into a temple based on caste. Justice N Anand Venkatesh, passing orders on a plea that flagged prevention of people from Scheduled Castes into Ayyanar temple in Pudukudi village, Udayarpalayam taluk, Ariyalur, said: "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 communities, is an affront to the dignity of persons who are discriminated against based on their caste. " "If a temple is permitted to be visited by the public, it assumes the character of a public temple. In such an event, irrespective of the caste or community of the devotees, they must be permitted to offer their prayers to god," said the judge. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai This can never be permitted in a country, which is governed by the rule of law. That apart, 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 sect to which he belongs to, shall be entitled to enter any Hindu temple and offer worship therein, Justice Anand Venkatesh said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo If they are restricted entry, it will amount to an actionable wrong and the person concerned can be sued or prosecuted there for. This act came into force after a long struggle by many leaders, who wanted to ensure that persons are not prevented from entering the temples based on their caste, he said. The judge added that the Act was brought into force as a policy taken by the Tamil Nadu govt to remove the disabilities imposed on certain classes of Hindus against entry into Hindu temples in the state. The issue pertains to a plea moved by Venkatesan. He submitted that recently idols installed by people belonging to the scheduled caste at Ayyanar temple located in Pudukudi village, Udayarpalayam taluk, Ariyalur were vandalised by a certain group of dominant caste members. He further alleged that members of the scheduled castes were only being allowed to view the deity from behind a large iron gate installed in the temple. Therefore, he wanted the court to direct the authorities to allow members belonging to scheduled castes to enter the temple and worship the deity and to permit them to participate in the temple car festival scheduled from July 16 to 31. Recording the submissions, Justice Anand Venkatesh said, "…there shall be a direction to the district SP and RDO to ensure that all classes of Hindus are permitted to enter the temple and participate in the festival." If anyone prevents them from participating, action shall be taken in accordance with law. It shall be ensured that no law and order problem is created, the court concluded.
New Indian Express
04-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Madurai HC directs HR, CE to respond on plea to restore 10-day brahmotsavam at Rameswaram temple
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) department to file counter affidavit on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition which sought a direction to conduct the brahmotsavam (Ramalinga Prathishtai) at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram in the traditional manner for 10 days, instead of limiting it to three days. A bench comprising justices SM Subramaniam and AD Maria Clete noted that this year's festival commenced on Tuesday (June 3) and therefore, no direction could be issued. However, the judges recorded the submission of the temple's counsel that the temple authorities could look into the customary practices relating to the festival and follow them from next year. The case was adjourned for two weeks. The petitioner, Elephant of Chennai, alleged that the festival, also known as Ramalinga Prathishtai, had not been conducted for the past 10 years. The festival begins in the Tamil month 'Ani' and take place for 10 days. However, this year, it is being organised in 'Vaikasi', only for three days, he said adding that such alteration or dilution of an ancient temple festival by the HR and CE authorities hurts the sentiments of devotees and is an offence under Rule 8 and 9 of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947.
