CHENNAI: Severe criticism from high court on the incident of a widow being denied entry to a temple in Tamilnadu. Madras High Court pointed out that 'dogma' rituals such as barring entry of widows would not be allowed. Justice N Anand Venkatesh conducted the observation. He clarified that women have their own status and identity and marriage has nothing to do with it.

Thangamani, the wife of the priest of the Periyakaruppan temple in Erode district of Tamil Nadu, was barred from the festivals. After the death of the priest, Thangamani was blocked from entering the temple by the officials. Justice N Anand Venkatesh stated that the belief that a widow entering a temple defiles the shrine is unfortunate, insulting a woman because she has lost her husband is not within the rule of law and strict action will be taken against such persons. Justice N Anand Venkatesh made this observation in an order issued on August 4 while disposing of a petition filed by Thangamani. Thangamani had sought the help of the police to participate in the festival held at the temple on August 9th and 10th.

According to the complaint, the petitioner and her son wanted to participate in the festival and pray, but the temple authorities threatened them against it. They approached the High Court because they did not get a proper response from the police. Taking this into account, the court directed that the temple authorities have no right to prevent the petitioner and her son from participating in the festival and praying.