Devotees Cannot Face Caste-Based Discrimination at Places of Worship, Says Madras High Court
· India · Hindustan Times, The Hindu
The Madras High Court ruled that devotees cannot face caste-based discrimination at places of worship, observing that all living beings are equal in the eyes of God. Justices G Jayachandran and E Manoharan issued the order while disposing of a petition alleging bias against non-Brahmin devotees at the Arulmigu Devaraja Swamy Temple in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. The petitioner alleged that non-Brahmin devotees were barred from using the main entrance of the Manavala Mamunigal shrine and were restricted from reciting hymns or receiving satari. The temple administration denied all allegations of caste-based discrimination during the proceedings. The court referenced Chapter 9 Verse 29 of the Bhagavad Gita to emphasize that God is equally disposed to all living beings.
Why it matters
The ruling reinforces constitutional protections against caste discrimination in public religious institutions and upholds equal access rights for all devotees at Tamil Nadu temples.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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