On the direction of the court, the Collector conducted a field inspection along with both revenue and police officials and submitted a report stating that the temple car could also pass through Scheduled Caste habitations on the proposed route after minor road repairs. File | Photo credit: File photo
Since faith cannot be fenced in by caste or creed and divinity cannot be limited by human prejudices, the Madras High Court has ordered that the temple chariot be pulled even through the Scheduled Caste (SC) residences of Puthagaram village in Kancheepuram district.
Justice PB Balaji refused to accept the argument advanced on behalf of a section of caste Hindus that it was not necessary to deviate from the route of temple chariots followed for decades and suddenly take the chariot through a new route.
“We as a society have evolved and adapted to several changes over time and therefore resisting changes by citing established customs, traditions and practices can never be a valid defense available to private respondents,” the judge wrote, allowing the writ petition.
The petition was filed by local resident A. Selvaraj through his advocate S. Kumarasamy seeking direction to allow Scheduled Caste people to enter the Muthu Kolakki Amman Temple for worship and also to pull the temple car through their residence in the village.
S. Anandan of the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front also filed a plea petition in the case through his counsel R. Thirumoorthy and supported the petitioner’s contention that there was indeed a lot of discrimination against Scheduled Caste persons in the village.
On the direction of the court, the Collector conducted a field inspection along with both revenue and police officials and submitted a report stating that the temple car could also pass through Scheduled Caste habitations on the proposed route after minor road repairs.
However, a senior lawyer representing some of the caste Hindu leaders in the village questioned the need to change the route they have taken for decades, arguing that any change would open the floodgates for many others to make similar demands in the future.
Disagreeing with such contention, Justice Balaji wrote, “I see no reason why the private respondents should be apprehensive about future and non-existent claims,” when the official respondents opined that the temple car could also be taken to Scheduled Caste residences.
“God does not discriminate”
“God does not reside in certain streets alone. No street is unworthy of the chariot or the God who drives. God never discriminates. So discrimination cannot be wrapped in the sanctity of tradition,” the judge wrote, ordering police to ensure the car’s smooth passage along the new route.
On another complaint about Scheduled Caste persons not being allowed to enter the temple for worship, the judge said, “The Constitution of India has abolished untouchability under Article 17. Such abolition was not only in physical form but in real literature and spirit. Therefore, no one can dictate the terms of who is entitled to stand before the deity and worship and who is not.”
He recorded the submissions of both the official and the private respondents that there was no discrimination on the basis of caste in entering the temple for worship and that everyone would have the right to worship the deity. He also directed the official respondents to ensure that there is no discrimination.
Published – 8 Nov 2025 15:41 IST
