Justice N. Anand Venkatesh directed both the Superintendent of Police and the Udayarpalayam Revenue Divisional Officer to guarantee that people of all castes are allowed entry into the temple and permitted to worship the deity freely, including during the ongoing annual temple festival.

 

He further ordered that appropriate legal action must be taken against anyone who prevents temple access based on caste. Both the Police and Revenue departments were told to maintain law and order and prevent any disturbances.

 

The court was hearing a writ petition filed by local resident A. Venkatesan, who alleged caste-based discrimination at the temple. Referring to the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act of 1947, the judge emphasized that the law was enacted after years of struggle to ensure equal temple access for all Hindus, regardless of caste or sect.

 

Quoting Section 3 of the Act, the judge underscored that any restriction based on caste is not only unlawful but also an actionable offence, with perpetrators liable for legal consequences. He stressed that public officials have a duty to uphold the law fully and faithfully.

 

**Petitioner’s Claims**

In his petition, Venkatesan said the Ayyanar temple had historically served as a place of worship for people of all castes. However, in 2019, a group attempted to take control of the temple by initiating the construction of a new structure on its grounds. Though Scheduled Caste members had also financially contributed to the construction, they were later excluded from entering the temple.

 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, complaints made to police and revenue authorities did not lead to action. Meanwhile, the group allegedly demolished statues and structures contributed by the SC community, including a prominent Ayyanar statue bearing the name of a Scheduled Caste donor, which was reportedly thrown into a temple well.

 

The petitioner further alleged that an iron gate was installed to prevent SC devotees from entering the temple premises, forcing them to pray from outside. He claimed officials refrained from intervening effectively due to concerns over public unrest.

 

The group responsible, identifying itself as ‘Ezhu Vaigaiyara’, was accused of systematically excluding SC worshippers. Venkatesan urged the court to ensure that SC devotees be allowed full access to the temple and be permitted to take part in the temple car festival scheduled from July 16 to 31, 2025.