The Madras High Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Tamil Nadu government on a plea seeking a direction to remove caste names used as prefixes or suffixes from school and hostel names across the state.
Bench Hears PIL on Caste Discrimination
A division bench comprising Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy and Justice R. Poornima was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate A. Rahul from Madurai. The petitioner argued that caste-based discrimination remains a persistent issue in Tamil Nadu, particularly troubling in schools. He stated that the educational environment, which is meant to foster learning and growth, is marred by prejudice and social hierarchy. Students from weaker sections are still made to stand apart and are forced to engage in cleaning activities in schools.
Study Reveals Widespread Discrimination
The petitioner highlighted that the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front conducted a study across 441 schools in 2023, covering government, government-aided, and private institutions. The study found that caste-based discrimination was prevalent among students and, alarmingly, propagated by some teachers. Teachers actively propagated caste-based discrimination in classrooms, refused to touch students from weaker sections, and subjected them to excessive punishment.
Justice Chandru Committee Recommendations
Rahul noted that retired High Court Judge Justice K. Chandru was appointed to head a committee to address caste-based discrimination and violence in schools. The committee gave several recommendations, with the very first being to drop caste names used as prefixes and suffixes in school and hostel names.
Previous Court Orders Not Complied
The petitioner stated that the High Court had issued directions in 2025, including the removal of caste names from schools and hostels. However, the order was not complied with. He submitted a representation to the authorities seeking removal of caste names and renaming of institutions in appropriate terms without caste references. Since the representation was not considered, he moved the court.
The court has now sought a response from the state government on the matter.
