The Madras High Court has ruled that no caste group can claim exclusive rights to administer a temple, emphasizing that caste-based segregation in temple administration is unconstitutional. Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy delivered the verdict while dismissing a writ petition seeking to delink the Ponkaliamman temple in Maraparai village, Namakkal district, from its joint administration with two other temples.
The petition was filed by C. Ganesan of Maraparai village in Tiruchengode taluk, who sought the implementation of a recommendation made by an Assistant Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. The recommendation suggested separating the administration of the Ponkaliamman temple. However, Justice Chakravarthy ruled that such a recommendation could not be enforced under the court’s writ jurisdiction as per Article 226 of the Constitution.
In a strongly worded order, Justice Chakravarthy underscored that caste-based claims over temples contradict India’s constitutional vision of a casteless society. He stated, “A casteless society is the constitutional goal. Hence, anything relating to perpetuation of caste could not be considered by the court.”
He further criticized the petitioner’s insistence on caste-based temple control, noting, “This court can very well gauge the seriousness with which the petitioner is pursuing the thing called ‘caste’ from the affidavit filed by him… But the concept that a particular temple belongs to a particular caste is unacceptable. Segregation of temples on the basis of caste would only lead to perpetuation of caste.”
During the hearing, Justice Chakravarthy made scathing remarks about caste-based divisions, particularly in Tamil Nadu’s western region. Addressing the petitioner’s counsel, he said, “This court can see what is happening on the ground. There is a limit to everything. Caste frenziness has gone beyond the limits and to the extent where parents who had given birth to children are murdering them in the name of honour killing. It is time for this thing called ‘caste’ to be put down.”
The judge acknowledged that different social groups may have unique ways of worshipping a deity, and the Supreme Court has upheld their customary rights to do so. However, he made it clear that no law grants a caste group the right to control temple administration.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
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