Madras High Court rules temple entry denial based on caste is untouchability

The Madras High Court has ruled that preventing individuals from the Scheduled Caste community from entering temples constitutes the practice of untouchability. Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy stated that such actions violate fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 17 of the Constitution of India and that perpetrators are liable for prosecution under the law.

The ruling follows a petition from Salem seeking to ensure the Milagu Kattan Adidravidar Community could participate in the Arulmigu Muthu Mariamman Temple Chariot Festival. While the state argued the matter was resolved through a peace committee meeting, the court reinforced the legal protections against caste-based exclusion in religious spaces.