The Madras High Court has ordered equal representation at the Kumbabishegam festival scheduled for February 8 at four temples in Melapanankadi village, Madurai, banning any community from claiming exclusive rights or first honours. Justice S Srimathy ruled that consecration ceremonies cannot be conducted by individuals when five communities reside together, mandating committee formation with representatives from Mutharayar, Maravar, Adhi Dravidar, and other local communities.
The ruling emerged from petitioner Rathinam’s plea against respondent Rajeshkannan, who claimed exclusive conducting rights for Arulmighu Ayyanar, Muniyandi Swamy, Karupasamy, and Muthumariamman temples. The court directed the fit person appointed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department on January 29 to form an inclusive committee immediately.
Justice Srimathy declared that no first honour shall be granted to any person or community during religious celebrations, emphasizing anti-discrimination principles in temple administration. Rajeshkannan was ordered to surrender all temple records to the committee and fit a person for transparent festival management.
The judgment reflects Tamil Nadu’s historical temple entry struggles, reinforcing that worship access cannot depend on caste hierarchies or individual monopolies.
