Strict Warning Issued: Non-Compliance Could Lead to Derecognition
Chennai |
In a landmark move to promote social equality and curb caste-based discrimination, the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to remove caste-based names from all educational institutions within four weeks. Failure to comply may result in the withdrawal of recognition for those institutions starting from the 2025–26 academic year.
Delivering the order, Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy emphasized that the state must take immediate steps to amend relevant laws and prevent the use of caste appellations in the names of schools, colleges, and associations registered under the Societies Registration Act.
Key Highlights of the Court’s Order:
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Deadline of Four Weeks: All educational institutions carrying caste-related names must be issued notices and directed to remove such prefixes or suffixes.
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Non-compliance could result in the cancellation of institutional recognition, and affected students will be transferred to other approved schools or colleges.
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Legal Reform Ordered:
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The IG of Registration must issue a circular to all registrars to stop registering caste-based associations.
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The state must begin amending the Societies Registration Act within three months and complete it within six months.
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Renaming Government Schools:
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Institutions like Kallar Reform School and Adi Dravidar Welfare School must be renamed in line with other government schools.
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The court clarified that while donors’ names may be retained, their caste identifiers must be removed.
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Why This Order Matters:
Justice Chakravarthy noted that the decision stems from rising incidents of caste-related violence in society — including honour killings and students bringing weapons or caste-coloured armbands to school.
“This situation shows a dangerous normalization of caste pride among youth,”
the judge observed, adding that educational institutions should be inclusive spaces, free from caste-based identifiers that reinforce division.
The High Court’s ruling marks a significant shift in the ongoing national conversation on equality, identity, and the role of education in shaping social harmony. By targeting caste labels in institutional names, the court aims to challenge systemic bias, urging the government to act swiftly and decisively.
