Actor and director Parthiban has once again taken a legal route, but this time his request goes beyond his personal case. The filmmaker has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court, urging the Tamil Nadu government to bring in a new law that will allow people to obtain a certificate declaring themselves free from caste and religion without unnecessary delays. His latest petition aims to create a clear legal process so that similar applicants do not face hurdles in the future. The move has once again brought the long-running debate around identity and official recognition into the spotlight.
Petition seeks faster certificates for all applicants
The latest development comes after Parthiban requested the court to direct the state government to frame a law for issuing such certificates. According to Hindu, in his petition, he pointed out that the High Court had already issued directions in 2025 asking the government to create guidelines for processing these applications. However, he claimed that the process did not move forward because of the lack of coordination between the then state government and the Governor over approving new laws. Since that situation has now changed, Parthiban has urged the court to ensure that legislation is introduced at the earliest so that every eligible applicant can receive the certificate without delay.
From personal controversy to public interest case
Parthiban’s legal battle began after he faced criticism for mentioning his caste during a film event in Hyderabad a few months ago. The remarks sparked controversy, following which he clarified that the statement was unintentional and did not reflect his beliefs. He later applied to be officially recognised as a person without caste or religion. There was an initial delay in the process, but he finally got the certificate from the Sholinganallur Tahsildar’s office with the intervention of the court. Now, instead of limiting the issue to himself, the actor has expanded the fight by seeking a permanent legal solution that could benefit others as well.
Case listed before high court; Actor continues film journey
The PIL is scheduled to come up for hearing before the bench headed by Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan on Monday, August 3. The outcome of the case could play a significant role in shaping future policy on caste- and religion-free identity certificates in Tamil Nadu. Parthiban continues to be active in the cinema front as an actor and filmmaker. He has been praised for choosing unusual stories and experimental filmmaking.
