‘No caste, no religion’ certificate requires renouncing religion, rules Madras High Court

Madurai (The Uttam Hindu): If a person does not want their caste and religion to be mentioned in official records, they must first formally renounce their religion. Only after that can they be issued a “No Caste, No Religion” certificate. This clarification was given by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court while hearing an important case.

The Bench headed by Justice Krishnan Ramasamy observed that under Hindu personal law and tradition, a person cannot be granted a certificate without mentioning caste and religion unless they have officially given up their faith.

Petition filed challenging Tahsildar’s refusal

In this case, a resident of Tirupattur taluk in Tamil Nadu approached the High Court after the local Tahsildar refused to issue such a certificate. The petitioner stated that although his parents belonged to the Hindu faith, he wanted a certificate that did not mention any caste or religion.

However, the Tahsildar declined the request, stating that there was no government order permitting the issuance of such a certificate. Challenging this decision, the petitioner moved the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.

Court makes position clear

During the hearing, the Bench asked the petitioner whether he had renounced the religion into which he was born. The petitioner admitted that he had not formally given up his religion. Following this, Justice Krishnan Ramasamy stated that without renouncing Hinduism, the request for a certificate omitting caste and religion details could not be accepted.

The court further remarked that once a person formally renounces their religion, the need for such a specific certificate may not even arise.

Petition dismissed, option left open

Upholding the Tahsildar’s order, the High Court dismissed the petition, noting that the petitioner had not produced any valid proof of renouncing his religion. However, the court granted him liberty to apply again in the future.

It clarified that if the petitioner formally renounces his religion and submits valid proof before the competent authority, his application for a “No Caste, No Religion” certificate can be considered as per law.