The Madras High Court has ordered that temple chariot of Muthu Kolakki Amman Temple be allowed to pass through a Dalit neighbourhood, observing that “faith cannot be fenced by caste or creed,” while hearing a plea by a Dalit man seeking permission to pass through the Dalit colony for his community to enter the Temple and participate in its rituals amid opposition from upper-caste residents,” the Live law reported.
“Faith cannot be fenced by caste or creed and divinity cannot be confined by human prejudice. God does not reside in certain streets alone. No street is unworthy of the chariot or the god it carries. God never discriminates. So discrimination cannot be wrapped in the sanctity of tradition,” Justice PB Balaji remarked.
The court was hearing a petition filed by a man belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, directed authorities to allow the Muthu Kolakki Amman temple car to pass through the Dalit colony and ensure peaceful conduct of the procession.
The petitioner had approached the court seeking directions to the Kancheepuram District Collector, Superintendent of Police, HR&CE Joint Commissioner, Tahsildar, and others to permit his community to enter the temple and participate in its rituals and car festival.
He alleged that upper-caste residents had long resisted their participation, despite the temple being managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, and that representations to officials had gone unanswered.
The court observed that through Article 17 of the Constitution, untouchability was abolished “not just in physical form but in true letter and spirit,” stressing that no one could dictate “who is entitled to stand before the deity and worship.”
It further noted that all respondents had affirmed there was no bar on anyone entering the temple or participating in its festivals.
The District Collector informed the court that a field inspection revealed no restriction preventing Scheduled Caste members from entering the temple or taking part in the car festival.
Although private respondents opposed altering the traditional chariot route, citing decades of custom and possible complications, the Collector found that the requested extension was feasible without disrupting the festival’s historic character.
Taking note of this report, the court directed the Collector to implement the proposed integrated route during both the trial and main processions, ensuring that the event proceeds smoothly with adequate police protection.
Reiterating that “faith cannot be fenced by caste or creed,” the court held that “discrimination cannot be wrapped in the sanctity of tradition.”
Many believe that despite constituting around 16.6% of India’s population, Dalits continue to face deep-rooted social stigma, exclusion, and violence. From being denied entry into temples to facing social boycotts and even brutal assaults for asserting their identity, caste-based discrimination remains pervasive.
Earlier in 2024, Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai district, the village of Thenmudiyanur, became a site of struggle for Dalit dignity when upper-caste Hindus boycotted a temple after Dalits were granted entry.
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