Chennai, June 23: The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has approached the Supreme Court to contest a Madras High Court order. This order permitted the lighting of traditional ‘Karthigai Deepam’ lamps on a stone pillar, known as ‘Deepathoon,’ located near the historic shrine on the Tirupparankundram hill in Madurai district.
This appeal marks a new development in a long-standing dispute regarding religious practices on the hill, which is home to the famous Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple and a shrine at its peak.
Earlier this year, a division bench of the Madras High Court upheld a single judge’s ruling that instructed the temple administration to light ‘Karthigai Deepam’ not only at traditional locations but also on the stone pillar at the hill’s summit.
The court dismissed the state government’s argument that allowing this ritual could escalate communal tensions and disrupt law and order.
During the hearings, the previous DMK government expressed concerns that permitting devotees and temple representatives to perform the ritual near the shrine could lead to law and order issues. However, the High Court disagreed, labeling these concerns as mere speculation.
In strong remarks, the single judge referred to the state’s fears as ‘imaginary ghosts’ and questioned why a government with extensive administrative and policing powers would be unable to maintain peace during a religious event on temple grounds.
The court stated that any disturbances would only occur if the state allowed them to happen.
It also noted that permitting a few temple representatives to light ceremonial lamps on the designated stone pillar for just one day a year should not be an unmanageable task for the administration.
The High Court warned the state government against using such objections to advance a political agenda, emphasizing that ensuring peaceful worship is a constitutional responsibility of the state.
Despite these comments, the government has now knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s decisions and directives.
The state’s case is being presented in the Supreme Court by lawyer B. Karunakaran.
The Supreme Court’s decision on this appeal is expected to significantly impact the sensitive religious and administrative issues surrounding Tirupparankundram hill.
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