Can a Hindu Seek a ‘No Caste, No Religion’ Certificate? Madras High Court Says No

The Madras High Court, Madurai Bench, recently refused to direct the revenue authorities to issue a “No Caste, No Religion” certificate to a man who continues to profess Hinduism, holding that such a request cannot be considered unless he first relinquishes his religion in accordance with law. 

The bench of Justice Krishnan Ramasamy dismissed a writ petition filed by Chellamanickam, who had challenged an order dated July 9, 2025, passed by the Tahsildar, Thiruppathur Taluk, Sivagangai District, rejecting his request for a certificate that does not mention any caste or religion.

The petitioner had approached the high court seeking a writ of certiorarified mandamus to quash the Tahsildar’s order and to consequently direct the authority to issue a “No Caste, No Religion” certificate in his favour. The plea was heard at the admission stage and taken up for final disposal with the consent of both sides.

Before the court, counsel for the petitioner submitted that although the petitioner’s parents belong to the Hindu religion and he too was born into the same faith, he sought issuance of a certificate that would record neither caste nor religion.

However, the Tahsildar had rejected the application on the ground that there was no Government Order enabling issuance of such a certificate.

Opposing the plea, the Government Advocate contended that in the absence of any specific Government Order providing for grant of a “No Caste, No Religion” certificate, the revenue authority had rightly declined the request.

It was argued that when there is no enabling provision or policy decision by the State, the authority cannot be compelled to issue such a certificate.

Court examined the rival submissions and the materials placed on record. During the hearing, the court posed a specific query to the petitioner as to whether he had relinquished Hindu religion, particularly when both he and his parents belong to the faith. The petitioner answered in the negative.

Recording this, court held that unless and until the petitioner relinquishes his religion in accordance with Hindu rites, his request for issuance of a certificate stating that he has no caste and no religion cannot be considered. The judge observed that in such circumstances, the question of issuing the certificate sought by the petitioner does not arise.

Court further noted that the petitioner had not filed any proof to show that he had relinquished his religion. In the absence of such proof, the court declined to interfere with the impugned order of the Tahsildar and refused to grant the direction sought.

Accordingly, the writ petition was dismissed.

However, court granted liberty to the petitioner to take appropriate steps if he intends to relinquish his religion. The order states that since the petitioner is presently a Hindu and his parents are also Hindus, he may press for relinquishment of his religion and produce proof of such relinquishment before the authorities.

Court further observed that if a necessary application is made along with proof of relinquishment, the authorities may consider the same in accordance with existing rules. In case no rules have been framed governing such a situation, the authorities may frame necessary rules and thereafter consider the application.

Case Title: Chellamanickam vs. The Principal Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu and Others

Order Date: February 17, 2026

Bench: Justice Krishnan Ramasamy