A Dalit couple from Bengaluru finally entered a temple in Mandya district after a two-year struggle against caste discrimination, highlighting the continued barriers faced by Dalits in places of worship despite legal protections.
Denied Entry Over Caste
Satish and Shwetha had visited the Basaveshwara Temple in Hulikere village two years ago to perform a ritual for their son. However, the temple priest allegedly stopped them from entering because of their caste.
“When we objected, no one in the village supported us,” the couple said, adding that local leaders failed to intervene or ensure their access to the temple.
Legal Battle for Basic Rights
With no help locally, the couple approached several authorities, including the Human Rights Commission, Social Welfare Department, Civil Rights Enforcement Directorate, and district police.
India’s Constitution guarantees equality under Article 14 and abolishes untouchability under Article 17. The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 also makes denying entry to public places like temples a punishable offence.
Entry Allowed Under Police Protection
After two years, officials finally stepped in. This week, the couple was escorted to the temple under police protection.
Accompanied by local officials, including the Maddur tahsildar, they were able to offer prayers — something that should have been routine but instead became a hard-fought victory.
“A Fight for Dignity”
The couple’s struggle shows the gap between constitutional rights and reality on the ground.
“This was not just about entering a temple, it was about dignity and equality,” the case highlights, as incidents of caste-based restrictions in religious spaces continue to be reported across India.
Satish, who works as a driver, and Shwetha, an accountant, say their fight was necessary to assert their rights and challenge discrimination.
