Madras High Court Directs Issuance Of “No Caste No Religion” Certificate To Cine Actor R Parthiban

Justice M Dhandapani took note of an order passed by a division bench of the High Court in which the court had directed the state to empower revenue authorities to issue a no caste no religion certificate. The court thus directed the authorities to issue a certificate to the actor and also appreciated the actor for seeking such a certificate.

“In view of the above, there shall be a direction to the third respondent to issue “No Caste No Religion” Certificate to the petitioner, in terms of order passed by the Hon'ble Division Bench of this Court in W.A No.401 of of 2025 on 10.06.2025, on or before 29.04.2026,” the court said.

Parthiban approached the court after his application seeking a no caste no religion certificate was not considered by the authorities. He pointed out that as per the previous order of the court, the certificate was to be issued within a month. In the present case, Parthian had filed an application with the Tahsildar, Velachery, which was subsequently transferred to the Tahsildar, Sholinganallur, on jurisdiction grounds. However, since the application had not been considered till date, he moved the High Court.

Parthiban submitted that he was brought up as a Hindu by his parents and had been assigned the community status of “Gavara”. He further submitted that he had renounced his religious & caste identity after attaining majority and had been advocating a casteless and religion-less society in all of his films.

He submitted that he was 67-year-old presently and was not eligible for any government post. He also submitted that he was not aiming for any positions in the government department or to contest in Parliamentary elections to claim any special advantage-based religion or caste (or its absence).

Parthiban also submitted that by renouncing his religion and caste, his residential status or future living will not be affected, or affect his citizenship. He argued that promoting a casteless and religion-less society will only develop the country and promote unity and integrity of the nation.

The Government Advocate informed the court that Parthiban's representation will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed in his favour, on or before April 29, 2026.

Taking note of the submissions and the previous orders of the court, the court directed the authorities to issue the no caste no religion certificate on or before April 29, 2026 and closed the plea.

Counsel for Petitioner: M/S.R.Ganesan

Counsel for Respondent: Mr.R.Murthi, Government Advocate

Case Title: Radhakrishnan Parthiban v. The District Collector and Others

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Mad) 176

Case No: WP No. 14806 of 2026