**Title:** Madras High Court Orders ‘No Caste, No Religion’ Certificates in Tamil Nadu
**Meta Description:** The Madras High Court mandates Tamil Nadu to issue ‘no caste, no religion’ certificates, promoting equality and individual identity.
**URL Slug:** madras-high-court-no-caste-religion-certificates
**Headline:** Madras High Court Directs Tamil Nadu to Issue ‘No Caste, No Religion’ Certificates
The Madras High Court has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to facilitate the issuance of ‘no caste, no religion’ certificates to individuals who prefer not to be identified by any specific caste or religion. This directive comes in response to a petition from H Santhosh, a resident of Tirupattur district, who challenged a previous ruling by a single judge that denied his request for such certificates for his family.
In his affidavit, Santhosh, a father of two, stated that he has never utilized any government benefits based on caste or religion and has no intention of doing so in the future. He expressed his commitment to raising his children in an environment devoid of caste and religious distinctions.
A division bench comprising Justices MS Ramesh and N Senthilkumar overturned the earlier decision, ordering the Tirupattur District Collector and the relevant Tahsildar to issue the requested certificate to Santhosh within a month. The court also urged the Tamil Nadu government to enact a Government Order (GO) that would allow the issuance of such certificates to all eligible applicants seeking them from the Revenue Department.
The bench remarked, “While the Constitution of India prohibits caste-based discrimination, caste and religion continue to significantly influence social dynamics, politics, education, and employment through reservation policies.” The judges praised Santhosh’s choice to renounce caste and religious identity, viewing it as a commendable step that could inspire others and contribute to the fight against caste-based discrimination.
The court dismissed the Revenue Department’s claim that Tahsildars lacked the authority to issue these certificates due to the absence of a Government Order, labeling this position as “paradoxical.” The judges noted that similar certificates had previously been issued by Tahsildars in Tirupattur, Coimbatore, and Ambattur. They emphasized that constitutional mandates, particularly under Article 25, cannot be undermined by administrative inaction.
Furthermore, the court highlighted that Article 25 guarantees freedom of religion while allowing the state to legislate for social welfare and reform, even if such laws may affect religious practices. In this context, the state has a constitutional duty to respect the freedom of conscience of individuals who choose not to affiliate with any religion or caste.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What is the significance of the ‘no caste, no religion’ certificate?**
A: The ‘no caste, no religion’ certificate allows individuals to formally renounce caste and religious identities, promoting equality and personal freedom in a society where such identities often influence social and political dynamics.
