Scheduled Caste Community Granted Rights to Perform Ninth Day Mandakapadi in Temple Festival
In a landmark judgment that underscores the importance of constitutional values, the Madras High Court, Madurai Bench, has ruled in favor of the Adi Dravidar community, allowing them to participate in the Ninth Day Mandakapadi during the annual Chithirai Festival at the Arulmighu Sri Moongil Ayyanar Temple. The judgment was delivered by Mrs. L. Victoria Gowri, J., in response to writ petitions filed by members of the Adi Dravidar community and traditional Karaidars associated with the temple.
The court was tasked with resolving a conflict between hereditary customary practices and constitutional guarantees, specifically addressing whether the exclusion of the Scheduled Caste community from performing Mandakapadi during the temple festival violated constitutional principles of equality, dignity, and fraternity. The judgment emphasized that the exclusion lacked any statutory foundation and was based solely on historical practice, which could not justify discrimination.
The court recognized the customary rights of eight traditional Karaidars to perform Mandakapadis on the first eight days of the festival but concluded that the Adi Dravidar community's exclusion on the ninth day was not constitutionally sustainable. While the court upheld the customary practices of the Karaidars, it also affirmed the constitutional right of the Adi Dravidar community to participate in the festival ceremonies with equal dignity.
In its directions, the court ordered the Executive Officer to submit a report to the Joint Commissioner for implementing the arrangement, ensuring peaceful conduct of future festivals. The District Administration and Police Authorities were directed to provide adequate protection for the implementation of the arrangement.
The judgment reflects India's transformative constitutional spirit, balancing the preservation of legitimate customs with the eradication of discriminatory practices. By harmonizing tradition with constitutional values, the court aims to foster fraternity, social harmony, and constitutional transformation.
The decision marks a significant step toward inclusivity in religious practices, reinforcing the idea that constitutional morality prevails over exclusionary customs, and ensuring equal spiritual dignity for all communities.
Bottom line:-
Constitutional morality and equal dignity prevail over exclusionary customs in public temples. The rights of Scheduled Caste communities to participate in temple ceremonies should be recognized, while preserving the legitimate customary rights of traditional family groups.
Statutory provision(s): Articles 14, 15, 17, 21, 25, and 26 of the Constitution of India; Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act
P. Sundararaju v. District Collector, (Madras)(Madurai Bench) : Law Finder Doc id # 2937899
