Supreme Court Issues Notice On Dalit Christians' Plea Alleging Caste Discrimination In TN's Catholic Church Parish

The Supreme Court recently issued a notice in a Special Leave Petition filed by members of the Dalit Catholic Christian community belonging to Kottapalayam Parish, Kumbakonam Catholic Diocese, Tamil Nadu, alleging the practice of "untouchability" and caste-based discrimination at the hands of dominant Catholic Christians in the Church.

It has been argued that the prevailing inhumane untouchability and "traditional practice" of caste-based discrimination violates Articles 14, 15(1) &(2)(a),(b), 17, 19(1)(a), 21 and 25 of the Indian Constitution.

As per the petitioners, they had approached the State and Central government authorities, local Catholic Church authorities, etc for eradication of caste atrocities and other related issues prevailing in the Indian Roman Catholic Church of Kottapalayam Parish area.

The Dalit Christians have stated that they should be able to use the big cemetery for burying their dead ones without caste discrimination. They also sought the usage of one common dead body carrier/funeral cart for everyone. It is also stated that they should be allowed to bring the bead bodies of their loved ones to the main Parish Church for doing the final funeral prayers at par with the dominant groups.

They have submitted that discriminatory practices can only be eradicated when some representatives for the Dalit Catholic Christians are elected to the Parish Church Council and the Church Rebuilding Fund Collection Committee. It is argued that they are not equally elected due to caste-related discrimination.

They should be allowed to conduct the Car festival of the Parish Church every year, without any discrimination.

The SLP is filed against the Madras High Court's order dated April 30, 2024, whereby the High Court dismissed the petition. The High Court stated that in such cases, the ultimate decision has to be taken by the National Commission for Minorities. The petitioners have however already made a representation.

A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra issued notice on February 21.

Case Details: J. DOSS PRAKASH AND ORS. S. v THE COLLECTOR AND ORS|Diary No 4338/2025

Appearances: Mr. Thomas Franklin Caesar, Adv.; Mr. Sameer Aslam, Adv.; Mr. Selvam P, Adv.;Mr. V Puneedhan, Adv.; Ms. Naveena D, Adv.; Mr. S. Gowthaman, AOR (petitioners)

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