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Caste-based temple administration not a religious practice, cannot claim constitutional protection: Madras High Court
Babushahi Bureau
Chennai, March, March 5, 2025: In a significant ruling promoting a casteless society, the Madras High Court has declared that no caste can claim ownership of a temple, and administering a temple based on caste is not a religious practice protected under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
As reported by Live Law, Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy observed that only a group following a distinct philosophy or religious practice could be considered a religious denomination. However, caste itself does not constitute a religious denomination and, therefore, cannot claim constitutional protection under the guise of religious rights.
Key Observations of the Court:
- Temple administration cannot be caste-based as it is not an essential religious practice.
- Public temples should be open for worship, management, and administration by all devotees.
- Caste-based religious claims must stand the test of secularism and constitutional goals.
- Customary rights in worship may exist, but caste-based discrimination disguised as a religious denomination cannot be allowed.
The court further noted that believers in caste-based discrimination often attempt to mask their biases under religious denominations, leading to social unrest.
The judgment reinforces the principle that temples belong to all worshippers, regardless of caste, aligning with India’s constitutional vision of equality and secularism.