The Madras High Court has held that equality in worship is “non-negotiable,” condemning officials in Karur district for their failure to ensure temple access to Scheduled Caste devotees at the Arulmigu Mariamman Temple in Chinna Dharapuram. One was filed by Vanniyakulachathiriyar Nala Arakattalai, led by its president Murugan, and another was filed by Scheduled Caste devotee Marimuthu. The judgment began with a historical reminder of Tamil Nadu’s legacy of temple entry struggles. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s words from that era, the judge said temple entry for the oppressed was not a concession but the restoration of God’s house to all His children. “The law must speak firmly, so that no person or group ever again dares to deny temple entry on grounds of caste,” the court held.