How can caste appellations exist in names of streets, roads in Tamil Nadu even in 2026, asks Madras High Court
The Madras High Court has expressed concern over the continued use of caste-based names for streets and roads in Tamil Nadu, despite long-standing government orders to remove them. Justice N. Ramesh emphasized that such naming conventions perpetuate social divisions and contradict constitutional goals.
Why it matters
The court's intervention highlights ongoing efforts in India to dismantle systemic caste-based identification in public infrastructure and official documentation.
The Madras High Court on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) expressed dismay over the continued existence of caste appellations, such as ‘Pallar Street’, even after a series of Government Orders and judicial directions passed since 1978 to avoid caste references while naming streets and roads.
In his very first order passed after being elevated as a judge of the High Court, Justice N. Ramesh said, it was high time that the Tamil Nadu government ensured that judicial orders, as well as executive directions, were given effect to in letter and spirit by avoiding caste names in toto.
The judge came across the name ‘Pallar Street’ in a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Sendhamangalam police in Namakkal district during the hearing of a bail petition. He wondered how such a name could exist even in 2026.
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