Caste-Based Denial of Temple Entry Is Untouchability: Madras High Court

Ensuring Scheduled Caste community participation in a temple chariot festival after earlier resistance

V. Sundaram sought monitoring and representation for the Milagu Kattan Adidravidar community at the Arulmigu Muthu Mariamman Temple festival. The State reported that a peace committee had secured participation for everyone. The petitioner requested safeguards against recurrence.

Issue and applicable law

The central question was ensuring Scheduled Caste community participation in a temple chariot festival after earlier resistance.

The Court reiterated that no person may be restrained from temple entry because of caste. Administrative or ritual-management claims do not dilute the constitutional prohibition and may be resolved separately.

Court's reasoning

The Court held that preventing temple entry on caste grounds practises untouchability, violates Article 17 and exposes the perpetrator to prosecution. Its principal reason was that the Constitution and Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act prohibit caste-based exclusion from temples.

Decision and practical effect

The petition was closed after the State assured equal participation, while civil disputes about festival administration were left to the civil court.

The ruling is significant because it clarifies how the stated legal standard should be applied to comparable disputes without extending the decision beyond the facts reported by the source.

Case details

• Case: V. Sundaram v. District Collector and Others
• Court: Madras High Court
• Case number or citation: WP No. 33121 of 2026; 2026 LiveLaw (Mad) 421
• Judges: Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy
• Advocates: For petitioner: S. Hajanazirudeen, Senior Counsel, with M. Rajendiran; for respondents: Inthu Karunakaran, Durai Gunasekaran and G. Mohammed Aseef
• Source: https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/madras-high-court/madras-high-court-sc-person-denied-temple-entry-untouchability-548285