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Equality in Temple Worship
September 21 , 2025
14 hrs 0 min
21
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- The Madras High Court has stated that the Equality in worship is non-negotiable.
- The court was hearing two petitions related to caste-based entry denial at Mariamman Temple in Chinna Dharapuram, Karur district.
- One petition denied caste discrimination; the other alleged that Scheduled Caste devotees were denied entry.
- Justice B. Pugalendhi recalled key movements like the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25), Guruvayur Satyagraha (1931–32), and the Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936.
- The court referred to the 1939 entry of Scheduled Caste devotees into Meenakshi Amman Temple under the Madras Temple Entry Authorisation and Indemnity Act, 1939.
- This entry was led by A. Vaidyanatha Iyer and L.N. Gopalaswami, along with P. Kakkan and others.
- Mahatma Gandhi called it a spiritual triumph and visited the temple with Scheduled Caste devotees in 1946.
- The court noted that the message from 1939 was that caste had no place in worship.
- In 2025, Scheduled Caste devotees were denied entry at Mariamman Temple in Karur despite past reforms.
- The Trust managing of the temple claimed that there was no discrimination and sought to lift a 2018 prohibitory order.
- Following court orders, Scheduled Caste devotees were allowed to enter and offer prayers.
- The court observed it was shameful that such an entry happened only through a judicial order.
- The judge stated that administrative inaction since 2018 had led to prolonged denial of rights.
- Obstruction during temple entry led to commotion and a criminal case.
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