Archive · 18 Jul 2025
Madras High Court: No Caste-Based Temple Entry Denial Allowed
The Madras High Court said that no one can stop people from going into Hindu temples because of their caste.
A man from a village said that some people were stopping Scheduled Caste residents from entering a local temple.
The judge said this is against the law and the dignity of the people.
The court referred to a law from 1947 that says everyone can enter temples.
The court told the police to make sure everyone can go to the temple, no matter their caste, including during festivals.
The court also said that anyone stopping people from entering a temple based on caste can be sued or prosecuted.
Madras High Court ruled against caste-based temple entry denial.
The court cited the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act of 1947.
The ruling came in response to a petition from a resident of Puthukudi village.
Scheduled Caste (SC) residents were allegedly denied entry to Ayyanar temple.
The court ordered police to ensure access to the temple for all Hindus.
- Who
- Justice N Anand Venkatesh, A Venkatesan, SC residents, Ezhu Vaigaiyara group.
- What
- Madras High Court ruled against caste-based denial of temple entry.
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Madras High Court, Puthukudi village, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- To uphold the dignity and rule of law, and based on the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act of 1947.
Scheduled Caste (SC) Residents
Ezhu Vaigaiyara Group
Temple Access
Scheduled Caste (SC) Residents
Were denied entry into the Ayyanar temple.
Ezhu Vaigaiyara Group
Denied entry to the temple.
- Court
- Madras High Court
- Judge
- Justice N Anand Venkatesh
- Petitioner
- A Venkatesan
- Location
- Puthukudi village, Tamil Nadu
- Act Cited
- Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act of 1947
- Issue
- Caste-based temple entry denial