The Madras High Court condemned the seven-year closure of the Arulmighu Mariamman Temple in Karur, calling it a “dereliction of constitutional duty.” The temple had been shut due to caste tensions, denying Scheduled Caste devotees access. Justice B. Pugalendhi ruled that citing law and order concerns cannot justify violating Articles 14 and 25, which guarantee equality and religious freedom. The court criticized police and district officials for failing to find constitutional solutions and directed the HR&CE Department to act under Section 64 to ensure fair access. It warned that caste-based denial of entry would invite strict legal action.
The Supreme Court has issued notice on Tamil Nadu’s plea challenging the Madras High Court’s interim stay on amendments that shifted the power to appoint Vice Chancellors from the Governor to the State Government. A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and R. Mahadevan tagged the case with similar pending matters and allowed the State to seek early hearing. The amendments were challenged for allegedly conflicting with UGC Regulations, which vest appointment powers in the Chancellor. The case raises key questions on federal powers and university governance.
