People's Mindset Must Change To Eradicate Caste Discrimination In Using Public Resources: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court recently remarked that there should be a change in the mindset of the people so that there is no discrimination between communities in sharing public resources. 'In addition to the directions already given, it is suggested to all the stakeholders that there should be a change of mindset in the people in order to ensure that there is no discrimination arises between different communities of people in the sharing of public resources and in the use of public facilities,' the court said. Justice RN Manjula appreciated the government's efforts to address the issues of discrimination in using public resources. Previously, the court had expressed shock over members of the Scheduled Caste community being made to wait for their turn till members from the other community fetch water from the common tap. The court had directed the authorities to provide a sufficient number of water tap connections with sufficient water supply in all the streets, making it clear that it was for everyone's use, irrespective of the community. The court also asked the authorities to make sure that no one is allowed to take unduly large quantities of water, to the detriment of others. When the matter was placed for compliance, the Additional Public Prosecutor informed the court that the Government has issued a GO and had circulated the order of the court for effective compliance. It was also informed that the Principal Secretary had issued directions to the subordinate officials under the control of the District Collector to issue strict instructions to ensure that public resources are accessible to each one in the public community without any discrimination. The subordinate officials were also asked to form a committee to supervise the aspect. Instruction were also issued to ensure a sufficient number of water tap connections in all areas so as to have easy access to each one in the public community without any discrimination. Instructions were also given to ensure that section 21 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe prevention of Atrocities act. The court added that apart from the directions, there should be a change in the mindset of the people to ensure that there is no discrimination between different communities. The court added that the younger generation could also be made part of the community, so that the future generation also understands the principles of 'Unity in Diversity'. 'It will be appropriate if the model of the team constituted in the Thalaivankottai Village at Tenkasi District can be formed in all the Districts and Panchayat Unions by effectively coordinating with the younger generations of each villager. So that the future citizens will learn how to achieve 'Unity in Diversity', which is highly cherished constitutional aspiration,' the court said. Appreciating the steps already taken by the state to address the issue, the court closed the plea. Counsel for Petitioner: Mr.V.Kathirvelu Senior Counsel for Mr.K.Prabhu Counsel for Respondents; Mr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram Additional Public Prosecutor Assisted by Mr. K. Gnanasekaran Government Advocate Case Title; Thirumalaisamy v. The State of Tamilnadu Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Mad) 294 Case No: Crl.M.P(MD) No.8288 of 2025 in Crl.A.(MD) No.712 of 2025Click Here To Read/Download The Judgement

People's Mindset Must Change To Eradicate Caste Discrimination In Using Public Resources: Madras High Court

Upasana Sajeev

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