Caste is man-made, God is neutral: Madras High Court allows SC devotees to enter temple for festival

The Madras High Court recently observed that caste and community are man-made while God is neutral, and that denying Scheduled Caste (SC) persons the right to offer prayers in temples is an affront to their dignity.

The Court was hearing a plea seeking permission for members of the SC community to enter the Arulmigu Puthukudi Ayyanar Temple and participate in its car festival from July 16 to 31.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh held that if a temple is open to the public, it must allow access to all regardless of caste.

"Caste and community are the creations of human beings and god is always considered to be neutral. That apart, preventing persons from offering prayers on the basis that they belong to Scheduled Caste community, is an affront to the dignity of persons who are discriminated based on their caste. This can never be permitted in a country, which is governed by the Rule of law."

The Court emphasised that denying entry based on caste violates dignity and legal rights, citing the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947, which ensures all Hindus have the right to enter and worship in temples.

"This act came into force after a long struggle by many leaders, who wanted to ensure that persons are not prevented from entering into the temples based on their caste. The Act was brought into force as a policy taken by the State Government to remove the disabilities imposed on certain classes of Hindus against entry into Hindu temples in the State," the order stated.

The Court thus directed officials to ensure equal access to the temple and festival for all, and to take legal action if anyone tries to stop them.

Advocates Deepika S and TM Rajangam appeared for the petitioner.

Government Advocates NNR Arun Natarajan and V Meganathan appeared for the State authorities.

[Read Order]