Recently, the Madras High Court held that denying Scheduled Caste devotees access to a temple that is otherwise open to the general public amounts to a direct assault on their dignity and is impermissible under the law. The Court observed that once a temple allows public entry, it attains the status of a public temple and must allow entry to all Hindus, regardless of caste. “God is always considered to be neutral,” the Court noted, emphasizing that caste and community distinctions have no place in religious worship.
The petitioner filed a writ petition seeking a direction to the authorities to permit him and other Scheduled Caste individuals to enter the temple and participate in the temple car festival. He alleged that they were being denied entry on the basis of their caste, despite the temple being open to the general public.
The petitioner contended that such exclusion violates their fundamental rights and statutory protections under temple entry laws. He urged the Court to uphold the principle of equal access to places of public worship.
The Court clarified that if a temple is accessible to the general public, it legally assumes the character of a public temple. In such circumstances, caste-based discrimination cannot be permitted. It stated, “Irrespective of the caste or community of the devotees, they must be permitted to offer their prayers to God.”
The Court further remarked, “Caste and community are the creations of human beings and God is always considered to be neutral.” Further, the Court referred to Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947, which entitles every Hindu, regardless of caste or sect, to enter and worship in any Hindu temple. It added that any restriction on this right amounts to an actionable wrong and can attract civil or criminal liability.
The High Court directed the concerned authorities to ensure that no individual is prevented from entering the temple or participating in the temple festival on the basis of caste. If any obstruction occurs, legal action must be initiated against the offenders. The writ petition was accordingly disposed of.
Case Title: Venkatesan V. The District Collector
Coram: Justice N. Anand Venkatesh
Case No.:WP No. 26255 of 2025 AND WMP NOs. 29554 and 29557 OF 2025
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