Latest news with #Mariyamman
New Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Madurai Bench of Madras HC raps collector, police for inaction over caste discrimination in temple
MADURAI: Shocked that even after 75 years of Independence, people are still being denied entry into temples over their caste, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, while hearing two petitions related to such an incident at a Mariyamman temple in Chinna Dharapuram, Karur, directed the HR&CE department, Karur collector and SP to file separate reports on the current situation, reason for the temple's closure, and steps taken to ensure joint worship. Justice B Pugalendhi criticised authorities for keeping the temple closed since 2018 due to communal tension. 'The closure of a public temple, not for days or weeks but for years, under the guise of law and order, is a dereliction of constitutional duty,' he said. 'Stopping everyone from entering is not the way to maintain peace. The law cannot treat the oppressor and the oppressed as equals. The government must remember that peace built by denying rights is not real peace, it is surrender,' he added, slamming the collector and police for inaction. The judge stressed that it is the duty of the HR&CE department and the state to ensure that no caste-based exclusion takes place in any temple. Citing the Kandadevi temple festival in Sivaganga, successfully conducted last year after a 17-year halt due to communal tension, he said it was possible only because the government took proactive steps, deployed adequate police force, engaged with communities, and ensured the participation of Scheduled Caste devotees.
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Tension in Karur shrine as board allowing entry of all communities removed
KARUR: Tension prevailed in Chinnatharapuram on Thursday after a section of caste Hindu people removed a notice board, installed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, in front of a Mariyamman temple in the village. The notice board, which was placed as per a court order, states that people from all communities, regardless of caste, are permitted to worship and participate in temple rituals. It also warned that criminal action would be taken against anyone who attempts to prevent devotees from offering prayers at the temple. According to police, the temple is under the HR&CE department since 1973. Members of both SC and MBC communities have been participating in pujas and temple rituals. However, due to a dispute over some issues in 2018, both groups approached the court. The matter is pending. During a hearing on July 15, the court instructed HR&CE officials to take steps to resume worship at the temple and to display a notice board announcing that all communities are allowed to offer prayers. As per the direction, officials placed the notice board in front of the temple. Upon knowing this, a group of people from MBC community assembled in front of the temple on Thursday. Aravakurichi Tahsildar Mahendran, additional superintendent of police Prabakaran, Aravakurichi DSP Abdul Kapoor and local police personnel rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the crowd. Despite their efforts, the crowd removed the notice board. Subsequently, a complaint was lodged with Chinnatharapuram police and they registered a case.
