Supreme Court to Probe Dalit Christian Discrimination in Tiruchirapalli

The Supreme Court will examine allegations of caste-based discrimination and untouchability faced by Dalit Christians in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. The case petitioners, supported by Advocate Franklin Caesar Thomas, emphasize discrimination in Kottapalayam Parish. Notices were issued to Tamil Nadu state and church authorities, with responses due by April 15.

The Supreme Court has agreed to scrutinize a plea brought forward by Dalit Christian villagers from Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, who allege widespread caste-based discrimination in the Kottapalayam Parish area.

A bench consisting of Justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Misra has issued notices to the Tamil Nadu government and local church authorities requesting their responses by April 15. This marks a critical step in addressing the grievances of the Dalit Catholic Christian community described in the plea.

Advocate Franklin Caesar Thomas, representing the petitioners including J Doss Prakash, highlighted the persistent discrimination and untouchability faced by the community, urging legal intervention. Prior attempts to resolve the issue through district and state authorities have failed, as stated in the plea, which also notes a previous dismissal by the Madras High Court.