MADRAS HIGH COURT ASKED HR&CE DEPT TO CONDUCT TEMPLE FESTIVAL INCLUDING PEOPLE OF ALL CASTES; CANNOT RESTRAIN A PERSON FROM PERFORMING RELIGIOUS DUTIES

The Madras High Court in the case Pandiarajan C v The District Collector and Others observed and has directed Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, HR&CE Department to conduct the Margazhi festival in the Arulmighu Chelliyaramman Temple in Virudhunagar District while ensuring that all the devotees including people which belongs to the scheduled caste community are permitted in the temple.

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In the present case, the court was hearing the petition moved by man wherein it is alleged that the scheduled caste members were not being permitted inside the temple.

The bench headed by Justice B Pugalendhi in the case observed and has directed that the Tahsildar to ascertain if any issue of untouchability prevailed in the Village and submit a report to the District Collector for taking appropriate action.

The court in the case also stressed that no person or any group could restrain a person from performing his religious duties which was a right guaranteed under the constitution of India.

The court in the case stated that even after the 75 years of independence, if this state of affairs prevails on account of community in the village, it needs to be addressed and prevented.