No Caste, No Religion Certificate Can't Be Issued Unless Person Relinquishes Religion As Per Rites: Madras High Court

The Madras High court recently rejected a man's request for a No Caste No Religion certificate, noting that the same could not be claimed without relinquishing the religion fiirst. 

Justice Krishnan Ramasamy of Madurai Bench noted that unless the religion was relinquished as per existing rites, there was no question of issuing a certificate. The court added that when there was no proof of relinquishing religion, it could not direct the authorities to issue a no caste no religion certificate. 

“Unless and until, the petitioner has relinquished his religion as per the Hindu Rites, the petitioner's request could not be considered by the respondents. When such being the position, the issuance of such certificate does not arise,” the court observed. 

The court was hearing a petition filed by Chellamanickam challenging an order of the Tahsildar of Thiruppathur Taluk,Sivagangai District rejecting his application for a “No Caste No Religion” certificate. 

The petitioner's case was that both his parents belonged to Hindu religion. When the petitioner sought for a no caste no religion certificate, his request was rejected for want of Government Order. 

The State argued that at present, there was no Government Order for providing a No caste No Religion certificate. Therefore, when there was no such GO, the petitioner's request was rightly rejected. 

When the court enquired whether the petitioner had relinquished his religion, the petitioner answered in the negative. The court noted that without relinquishing religion, one couldn't seek a no caste no religion certificate. 

The court however gave liberty to the petitioner to relinquish his religion and approach the authorities by way of an application, along with proof of relinquishing religion. The court directed the authorities to consider the application in such a situation as per existing rules, or frame rules if necessary. 

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. P. Surendran

Counsel for Respondents: Mrs. S. Jeyapriya Government Advocate

Case Title: Chellamanickam v. The Principle Secretary and Others

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Mad) 86

Case No: WP(MD). No.4303 of 2026