Source: www.hindu.com
MADURAI, INDIA, June 15, 2009: A recent study by Evidence, a Madurai-based non-governmental organization, found varied examples of discrimination against Dalits still occurring in many of the temples of South India.
Discriminatory issues involved such matters as entry into the temple or into the public worship area, the serving of annadhanam, avoidance of Dalit areas by the temple car, and the ability to donate cattle, help pull the temple car, perform rituals or participate in cultural performances during festivals. In the recent past, clashes over such issues have led to violence.
The NGO recommended that Section 3 (1) (14) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes 1989 should be invoked in cases of atrocities such as denial of worshipping rights and temple entry. District-level monitoring committees should be formed to take preventive action, and a mechanism should be developed to abolish caste-based discrimination under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.