Madras High Court Orders Probe into Alleged Exclusion of Dalit Street from Temple Procession

The Madras High Court has directed the Dindigul District Collector to investigate allegations that a Dalit-majority street was deliberately excluded from the annual procession of Arulmighu Ayiram Aruval Kottai Karuppasamy Temple in Muthalapuram village, holding that constitutional values cannot be overridden by discriminatory customs.

Justice L. Victoria Gowri passed the order on a petition filed by Bakiyaraj, a resident of North Street and a member of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community. He alleged that the temple's annual Thai festival procession had, for years, avoided North Street because it was predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Caste residents. He further claimed that members of his community were excluded from temple administration, offerings and festival-related decisions.

The private respondents denied the allegations, stating that the procession had followed the same traditional route for generations and that devotees of all communities were free to worship at the temple. The State submitted that it would maintain law and order while ensuring devotees could participate in religious activities in accordance with law.

The High Court observed that allegations of caste-based exclusion from a public religious festival raise serious constitutional concerns. It held that Article 17 abolishing untouchability is absolute and cannot be defeated by customs or traditions. The Court further noted that the freedom of religion under Article 25 is subject to the principles of equality, dignity and fraternity guaranteed under the Constitution.

Since disputed questions regarding historical practices could not be decided solely on affidavits, the Court directed the District Collector to conduct a detailed inquiry involving all stakeholders, inspect the site, verify the procession route and determine whether caste discrimination exists. If extending the procession through

North Street is found feasible, appropriate arrangements must be made.

The Collector has been directed to complete the exercise within 12 weeks, while police authorities have been instructed to ensure that no devotee is denied participation in temple worship on the ground of caste.