The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has held that a person seeking a “no caste, no religion” certificate must first formally relinquish his religion in accordance with applicable rites.
Justice Krishnan Ramasamy passed the ruling while dismissing a writ petition filed by Chellamanickam, who had challenged the 9 July 2025 order of the Tahsildar, Thiruppathur Taluk, refusing to issue such a certificate.
The petitioner had submitted that although his parents belong to the Hindu religion, he wanted an official certificate that would not mention either caste or religion. His application was rejected by the Tahsildar on the ground that no Government Order exists permitting issuance of such certificates.
During the hearing, the Court specifically asked the petitioner whether he had relinquished his religion. The petitioner answered in the negative.
Justice Ramasamy observed, “Unless and until, the petitioner has relinquished his religion as per the Hindu Rites, the petitioner’s request could not be considered by the respondents. When such being the position, the issuance of such certificate does not arise.”
The Court also noted that the petitioner had not produced any proof of relinquishment.
In view of this, the Bench declined to interfere with the Tahsildar’s order and dismissed the writ petition.
However, the Court granted liberty to the petitioner to formally relinquish his religion and submit proof before the authorities. The judge observed that if a fresh application is made along with such proof, the authorities may consider it in accordance with applicable rules.
The petitioner was represented by Advocate P. Surendran, while the State was represented by Government Advocate S. Jeyapriya.
Surce: Bar and Bench
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