In a significant development, the Madras High Court has directed authorities to issue a “No Caste, No Religion” certificate to actor and filmmaker Radhakrishnan Parthiban. Justice M Dhandapani instructed the Sholinganallur Tahsildar in Chennai to process and grant the certificate by April 29.
The court also observed that repeated delays in addressing Parthiban’s request were unacceptable. It noted that if the Tamil Nadu government continues to remain unresponsive, the actor is free to initiate contempt of court proceedings.
Parthiban had approached the court after alleging inaction from authorities despite submitting his application on March 20. In his petition, he clarified that he has consciously chosen to live without identifying with any caste or religion, a decision he made upon reaching adulthood.
He further pointed out that he does not possess formal documents such as a birth certificate or school records that specify his caste or religion, having discontinued his education after Class 11. This absence of documentation, coupled with his ideological stance, formed the basis of his plea seeking official recognition of his identity choice.
A personal choice with wider social implications
Speaking to the media after the hearing, Parthiban emphasised that his pursuit of the certificate is not merely personal but rooted in a broader social vision. He argued that labels tied to birth often limit individual freedom and reinforce divisions within society.
The actor, known for his unconventional storytelling and socially conscious themes, stated that his films have consistently advocated for a casteless and religion-free society. For him, this legal step is an extension of the same philosophy.
Interestingly, Parthiban acknowledged that he had previously obtained caste certificates for his children to meet institutional requirements such as school admissions. However, he maintained that as adults, they have the autonomy to either follow a religion or reject such identities altogether.
He also shared his perspective on the caste system, stating that while it is intrinsic to Hinduism, it does not exist in religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism. His remarks have added another layer to the ongoing discourse around religion and social structures in India.
Drawing parallels to earlier efforts, Parthiban recalled how his advocacy for body donation was initially met with hesitation but gradually gained acceptance. He believes the idea of a “No Caste, No Religion” identity could follow a similar trajectory, evolving from resistance to wider societal acceptance over time.
Cinema, activism and a consistent voice
Over the years, Parthiban has built a reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to challenge conventions, both in storytelling and in public discourse. His work often reflects a deep engagement with questions of identity, morality and individuality.
This latest legal victory aligns closely with that ethos, reinforcing his image as an artist who extends his beliefs beyond cinema. By seeking official recognition for a casteless and religion-free identity, Parthiban is effectively pushing the boundaries of how personal choice is acknowledged within institutional frameworks.
The court’s directive could also open doors for similar requests in the future, potentially encouraging others who wish to step away from traditional identity markers. Whether this becomes a widespread movement remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds momentum to ongoing conversations about personal freedom and societal norms.
For now, the spotlight remains on Parthiban, whose legal battle has sparked debate well beyond the courtroom. As the deadline for issuing the certificate approaches, his case stands as a reminder of how individual choices can intersect with larger questions about identity, belief and belonging in contemporary India.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
