'Cannot remain a mute spectator', HC sets an example on caste discrimination for water; reprimands officials

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has given a historic and heart-touching verdict. This decision has strongly condemned the snatching of basic rights like water on the basis of caste.

The court has ordered equal distribution of water across Tamil Nadu. This order was given by Justice Dr. RN Manjula while hearing the bail plea of a 65-year-old Dalit woman from Thalaivenkottai village in Tenkasi district. She had complained of caste discrimination for water.

The court described this practice of water deprivation as “sad and shocking” and said that the right to clean water is a fundamental right of every human being, which is an integral part of the right to life.

Change begins in Tenkasi

Earlier, the court had ordered the Tenkasi district collector to ensure that people from the Dalit community do not have to wait after others to get water. A report filed on July 31 said that 17 new public taps have been installed in the village and a committee has been formed to ensure equitable distribution of water.

Justice Manjula expressed happiness over the swift implementation of the law, but said that officers should not wait for complaints. She stressed that incidents of caste discrimination often go unreported due to fear or negligence.

Reference to law and constitution

Citing sections 3(1)(za) and 21 of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the court reminded the government of its constitutional duty to distribute public resources like water without discrimination.

In a major move, the judge ordered all district collectors, directors of municipal administration and town panchayat directors in Tamil Nadu to coordinate with the chief secretary and DGP to implement the “Thalaivankottai model” in every village and town across the state within three weeks.

The next hearing of this case will be on August 21. The court also said that committees should be formed at every panchayat level, which ensure equal access to resources like water and promote caste harmony.

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