The Madras High Court has observed that there is no need for any certificate to establish that a person is without caste or religion, and that such a position should be reflected through one’s conduct.
Actor Parthiban had approached the court seeking a direction to the Sholinganallur Tahsildar to consider his application and issue a certificate stating that he is caste- and religion-free. Earlier, Justice M. Dhandapani had directed the Tahsildar to issue the certificate within a week.
Following the order, the Sholinganallur Tahsildar issued the certificate to Parthiban on April 27. When the matter came up again, Parthiban appeared in person and thanked the judge for helping pave the way for what he called a more meaningful society.
Justice Dhandapani noted that there is no requirement to obtain such a certificate, and that the Tahsildar does not otherwise have the authority to issue it. The judge said the certificate was issued only in view of an earlier order of a division bench, and remarked that while it may serve publicity, living without caste or religion must be practiced rather than certified.
Parthiban responded that even to be called a good person, a certificate is often demanded. The court then closed the petition.
