In October 1925, a man named C. Murugesan faced legal repercussions for attempting to worship at the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanoor. Murugesan, who belonged to a community historically marginalized as untouchable, entered the temple premises with the sole purpose of performing a camphor offering to the deity. Despite his peaceful intent and lack of political affiliation, temple officials reported him to the authorities immediately. Consequently, the police detained him under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized the alleged defilement of religious sites. This incident highlights the rigid social hierarchies and discriminatory practices prevalent in the Madras Presidency during the colonial era, where access to sacred spaces was strictly regulated based on caste identity.
Source : Scroll.in
Photo : Scroll.in
Aussi couvert par : The Express Tribune
