Temple Ownership or Administration Cannot Be Claimed Based on Caste Identity: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court dismissed a petition seeking to separate the Ponkaliamman Temple from a group of temples in Namakkal district to ensure exclusive worship rights for a particular caste.

The petitioner claimed that, unlike other temples managed by diverse castes, this temple had always been historically managed exclusively by his caste.

Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy ruled that the temple, managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, must remain open to all.

The court further held that no caste can claim ownership of a temple or its administration based on caste identity, as it is not a constitutionally protected religious practice in India.