High Court upholds temple hill lamp lighting order
The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) has upheld a previous ruling allowing the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp at a stone pillar atop Thiruparankundram hill near Madurai. The Times of India The controversy centres on whether the ceremonial lamp can be lit at the ancient “Deepathoon” pillar, which is located close to the Sikkandar Badhusha dargah on the hill. The Times of India A division bench of Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan upheld the single-judge order permitting the ritual, rejecting state objections. The Times of India The court dismissed concerns that the ritual could spark law-and-order issues, calling such fears “imaginary.” The Times of India The judges ruled that lighting the Deepam is part of religious freedom and cannot be blocked by administrative or executive orders. The Indian Express The state government, HR&CE Department and others had challenged the earlier order, citing customary practice and public safety concerns. The Indian Express The bench concluded there was no compelling evidence that tradition forbids lighting the lamp at the Deepathoon site. OpIndia It also held that the stone pillar lies within temple property, not the dargah area, dismissing competing claims. OpIndia The court clarified that no large public gatherings would be allowed atop the hill during the ritual to maintain order. Live Law The number of temple representatives allowed to climb and light the lamp will be fixed in consultation with the police and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Live Law The issue arose after a single judge directed the temple to light the lamp on the Deepathoon stone pillar during the Karthigai Deepam festival. NewsDrum When the order wasn’t complied with earlier, the judge allowed petitioners to ascend and light the lamp themselves under court supervision. www.ndtv.com The Tamil Nadu government plans to appeal the High Court order in the Supreme Court. The Times of India The case has drawn political reactions, with BJP leaders calling the court’s verdict a win for religious rights. The Times of India The BJP has criticized the DMK government’s position, calling law-and-order objections “politically motivated.” The Times of India Union leaders have described the controversy as misunderstood and overly politicised. The New Indian Express Previous attempts by activists to climb the hill for the lamp lighting sparked tensions and scuffles with police. India Today The court has also taken action against publications that defame judges over this case, staying a book release and initiating contempt proceedings. India Today Local civic and religious leaders have called for peaceful observance of traditions while respecting law and safety. (multiple sources) This judgement is seen as significant for religious practices, judicial authority and communal harmony in Tamil Nadu.
