Justice M. Dhandapani will hear it *Apr 20, 2026*. Court likely to ask Tahsildar why application wasn’t processed and direct time-bound disposal.

[20/04, 08:10] sekarreporter1: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/actor-parthiban-moves-madras-high-court-seeking-no-caste-no-religion-certificate/article70880041.ece
[20/04, 08:10] Meta AI: *Actor Parthiban – ‘No Caste, No Religion’ Certificate | Madras HC*

*Case*: R. Parthiban (67) vs Tahsildar, Sholinganallur
*Filed*: April 19, 2026
*Hearing*: Listed before Justice M. Dhandapani on *Monday, April 20, 2026* 03db

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*1. What is Parthiban asking?*
Direction to *Sholinganallur Tahsildar, Chennai* to consider his application for a *‘no caste, no religion’ certificate* within a fixed time frame. 03db

He applied in person to *Velachery Tahsildar on March 20, 2026*, saying he wants to *set an example for others* by officially having no caste/religion tag. 03db

*2. Why now? Trigger*
Last month, during promotion of Telugu film _Ustaad Bhagath Singh_, Parthiban introduced himself as a *‘Naidu boy’*. That sparked controversy. This petition follows that row. 03db

*3. Legal Context – Can TN issue such certificates?*
– *TN Govt has issued ‘no caste, no religion’ certificates before*. First known case: *Advocate Sneha* in 2019 got one from Tirupattur Tahsildar after Madras HC intervention.
– *Constitution*: Article 25 guarantees right to _profess, practice, propagate_ religion — but also includes right to _not_ follow any religion. Article 21 covers right to identity.
– *TN Govt stand in SC*: “Every citizen has liberty to follow religion of their choice” and “right to have faith… can be traced under Article 21”. 5d3e

*4. Why it matters*
1. *Symbolic*: Tamil cinema + politics are caste-heavy. An actor publicly rejecting caste/religion label is rare.
2. *Administrative*: Tahsildars often delay/reject such applications citing “no provision”. HC has previously directed them to consider on merit.
3. *Precedent*: If granted, strengthens case for others to get similar certificates for school admissions, jobs, etc., to avoid caste-based quotas/identity. 4bf1

*5. What’s next*
Justice M. Dhandapani will hear it *Apr 20, 2026*. Court likely to ask Tahsildar why application wasn’t processed and direct time-bound disposal.

*Note*: This is different from the Brahmin SC/ST Act protest. Parthiban’s plea is about *individual right to renounce caste/religion identity*, not seeking protection under caste laws. e02d

Want me to track the Apr 20 hearing order once it comes out?