Madras High Court: ‘No Caste, No Religion’ Certificate Requires Formal Relinquishment of Faith

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ruled that a person seeking a “no caste, no religion” certificate must first formally relinquish their religion.  

Justice Krishnan Ramaswamy held that unless the petitioner relinquishes his religion in accordance with Hindu rites, such a certificate cannot be issued.

The case arose after the Tahsildar of Thiruppathur Taluk rejected Chellamanickam’s July 9, 2025, application, citing the absence of any government order permitting the issuance of such certificates. The petitioner admitted he had not formally renounced Hinduism.

Observing that no proof of relinquishment was produced, the Court dismissed the writ petition but granted liberty to apply afresh upon completing the required formal process.

[Chellamanickam v. Principal Secretary]