Madras High Court Upholds Lighting of Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram Hills, Rejects Law-and-Order Concerns

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday upheld an order permitting the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at the stone pillar (Deepathoon) atop the Thiruparankundram hills, strongly rejecting the Tamil Nadu government’s contention that the ritual could disrupt public peace or communal harmony.

A Division Bench comprising Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan delivered the verdict while dismissing a batch of appeals filed by the Executive Officer of the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, the Madurai District Collector, and the Madurai City Police. The bench had reserved its judgment on December 18 after hearing detailed submissions from all parties.

The appeals challenged a December 1 order of single judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan, who had allowed a petition seeking permission to light the ceremonial lamp at the hilltop stone pillar as part of the annual Karthigai Deepam festival. Despite the order, authorities had refrained from implementing it, citing apprehensions over possible law-and-order issues.

Before the Division Bench, two key issues were considered: whether the stone pillar could be recognised as a Deepathoon for Hindus, thereby entitling them to light the lamp as part of the religious observance, and whether permitting the ritual would infringe upon the rights of a nearby Muslim shrine.

In its ruling, the court came down sharply on the stand taken by the state and other appellants. The bench observed that it was “ridiculous and hard to believe” that the “mighty State” could claim that the lighting of a lamp by a temple on temple land would lead to a breakdown of public order. Such an argument, the court held, was untenable.

The judges also rejected what they described as a “mischievous submission” made during arguments that the stone pillar belonged to the dargah, dismissing the claim outright.

Emphasising the religious significance of the ritual, the bench noted that the practice of lighting a deepam at an elevated location so that it is visible to devotees has long been a recognised Hindu tradition. It held that there was “no plausible reason” for the temple administration to deny or delay compliance with the devotees’ request to light the lamp for Karthigai Deepam.

Addressing repeated claims of potential unrest, the court remarked that the apprehension of disturbance was “nothing but an imaginary ghost created conveniently,” warning that such unfounded fears only serve to foster mistrust between communities.

Upholding the single judge’s order in its entirety, the Division Bench categorically directed that the temple Devasthanam must proceed with lighting the lamp at the Deepathoon. However, it also laid down safeguards to ensure the ritual is conducted in an orderly manner and without damage to the site.

The court clarified that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) would be free to impose conditions necessary for the preservation of the monument. It further directed that no members of the public be allowed to accompany temple officials during the lighting of the lamp, and instructed the Madurai District Collector to supervise the entire event.

Political Reactions

Reacting to the verdict, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) said it would examine the judgment before deciding on the next course of action.

“The government will take an appropriate decision after going through the verdict,” the party said, adding that the DMK had “done more for Hindus than any other party” and continued to enjoy strong public support in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan welcomed the ruling, stating that the sentiments of Hindu devotees had been respected.