The Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, contesting a Madras High Court ruling that allowed the lighting of the traditional Karthigai Deepam at a stone pillar near a dargah on Thirupparankundram hill in Madurai district. This move comes amidst a prolonged dispute over religious practices on the hill, which houses the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple and a nearby dargah.
The High Court had earlier upheld a directive for the temple administration to conduct the Karthigai Deepam ritual at the stone pillar in addition to the usual locations. The state government’s concerns about potential communal tensions and public order disturbances were dismissed by the court. The previous DMK government had also raised similar apprehensions during the proceedings.
Despite objections, the High Court emphasized that the state’s responsibility included ensuring peaceful worship and that allowing the ceremony at the designated stone pillar was not an insurmountable task for the administration. The Vijay government has now approached the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s decision, with advocate B. Karunakaran representing the state.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on this appeal is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for the religious and administrative matters concerning Thirupparankundram Hill.
