The controversy surrounding the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Subramanya Swamy Temple near the Tirupparankunram Dargah in Tamil Nadu has escalated into a legal and political storm. The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court order that permitted the lighting of traditional lamps. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal.
Meanwhile, political tensions erupted in Parliament on Thursday, as senior DMK leader T. R. Baalu criticised the High Court judge who delivered the order, indirectly accusing an unnamed political party of attempting to incite communal tensions. His remarks, linking the judge to an organisation, triggered an uproar in the House.
High Court Takes Strong Exception to Remarks Against Judiciary
On Friday, the Madras High Court took serious note of Baalu’s comments. A division bench of Justices G. Jayachandran and K. K. Ramakrishnan sternly stated that such remarks against the judiciary would not be tolerated. The judges reminded that members of the judiciary cannot publicly defend themselves, and therefore should not be provoked or maligned.
“If limits are crossed, strict action will be taken,” the bench warned, adding:
"Judges cannot respond openly. That does not mean anyone can take advantage of that silence. Do not test the patience of the Court."
The remarks were made while the bench was hearing the appeal filed against the single-judge order directing that the Karthigai Deepam lamp be lit at the Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple at 6 p.m. on December 3.
Supreme Court to Hear Appeal on December 12
The Supreme Court will take up the appeals against the single-judge order on December 12. During the High Court hearing on December 5, advocate M. R. Venkatesh, representing the petitioner, informed the bench that Justice G. R. Swaminathan, who delivered the earlier order, was being subjected to personal attacks based on caste.
Judge Jayachandran cautioned:
"People must remember not to test the Court’s patience. Do not attempt to weaken the judiciary — it is the last resort for everyone. Whoever continues to undermine the judiciary will face consequences."
Background of the Case
On Thursday, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed an intra-court appeal filed by the Madurai District Collector and the City Police Commissioner. The appeal sought to overturn the single-judge order allowing devotees to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon near the Uchi Pillaiyar Mandapam.
On December 1, Justice G. R. Swaminathan had ruled that lamps must also be lit at the Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, in addition to the traditional lamp tower near Uchi Pillaiyar Mandapam.
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