Can’t stop widow from entering temple; women’s identity not linked to marital status: Madras HC

The Madras High Court strongly criticised discriminatory ‘dogmas’ which prevents the entry of a widow into a temple, saying that such archaic and prejudicial behaviour cannot take place in a ‘civilised society’ governed by the rule of law. The Court also criticised the superstitious belief that the entry of a widow inside a temple will […]

Sushruta Bhattacharjee Last Updated : 05 August 2023, 04:05 PM IST

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The Madras High Court strongly criticised discriminatory ‘dogmas’ which prevents the entry of a widow into a temple, saying that such archaic and prejudicial behaviour cannot take place in a ‘civilised society’ governed by the rule of law.

The Court also criticised the superstitious belief that the entry of a widow inside a temple will cause impurity, which is prevalent in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu.

The High Court was hearing a petition on Friday, when it observed, “It is quite unfortunate that the archaic beliefs that if a widow enters a temple it will cause impurity continues to prevail in this State.

“Even though the reformers are attempting to break all these senseless beliefs, it continues to be practised in some villages. These are the dogmas and the rules framed by man to suit his convenience and it actually demeans a woman just because she has lost her husband.”

The High Court also said that any woman, by herself, has a status and identity that is not related to her marital status.

“All this can never continue in a civilised society, which is governed by rule of law. If any such attempt is made by anyone to stop a widow from entering the temple, action must be taken against them in accordance with law. A woman, by herself, has a status and identity and that cannot in any way come down or be taken away depending upon her martial status,” the court said.

Madras HC grants police protection to widow, son for entering temple

In a recent ruling dated August 4, Justice N Anand Venkatesh expressed his views on this matter while hearing a petition filed by a woman named Thangamani, who had sought police protection for herself and her son to allow them entry into the Periyakaruparayan temple located in Nambiyur Taluk, Erode District.

Thangamani aimed to take part in the upcoming two-day temple festival scheduled for August 9 and 10 and had submitted a representation to this effect last month.

The petitioner’s case revolved around her late husband, who used to serve as the ‘Poojari’ or priest of the temple. With the ongoing Tamil month of ‘Aadi’, the temple committee had planned a festival on August 9 and 10.

Thangamani and her son wished to participate in the festival and offer their prayers. However, two individuals named Aiyavu and Murali allegedly intimidated her, asserting that her status as a widow prohibited her from entering the temple premises. Consequently, she sought intervention from the authorities to ensure police protection, but as no action was taken, she approached the Madras High Court.

Justice Venkatesh highlighted that despite the endeavours of reformers to challenge such irrational beliefs, certain villages continue to practise these discriminatory customs.

The High Court ordered the Inspector of Police, Siruvalur Police Station, to inform the two individuals Aiyavu and Murali that they did not have the authority to prevent Thangamani and her son from entering the temple premises to attend the festival. The Court also directed the police authorities to take action against the individuals if they cause any law and order problems.

“In the light of the above discussion, there shall be a direction to the fourth respondent police to call the respondents… and clearly inform them that they cannot stop the petitioner and her son from entering the temple and attending the festival. If, in spite of the same, if the respondents… attempt to create a law and order problem, action shall be taken against them immediately. The fourth respondent shall ensure that the petitioner and her son participate in the festival…” the court said.

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