Madras HC Madurai Bench to hear plea in Karthigai Deepam ritual issue today
Madurai, Dec 4 (LatestNewsX) – A legal and religious clash over the traditional lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Vilakkukaal (lamp pedestal) on Thiruparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu has taken a sharp turn, sparking protests, police file‑ups, and several petitions headed to the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. That bench is now slated to hear the case urgently on Thursday.
The dispute first surfaced on Wednesday when a petition was filed at the bench seeking authority to light the Karthigai Deepam at the historic hill shrine, part of the ancient Arupadai Veedu temples devoted to Lord Murugan. Justice Swaminathan granted the approval, prompting temple officials to set up the lighting plan early that morning.
Suddenly, those arrangements were withdrawn, provoking strong reactions from groups such as the Hindu Makkal Katchi, Akhil Bharath Hanuman Sena and the South India Forward Bloc. Members of these organisations staged demonstrations, insisting on strict observance of the court’s order.
Later that evening—about 6 p.m.—the customary Karthigai Deepam was switched on near the Uchchipillaiyar Temple on the hilltop, following traditional practice. A protest followed, and the Thiruparankundram police recorded cases against 15 people, including BJP State Youth Wing Secretary S.G. Suryah, for allegedly attempting to enter the hill without permission and causing disturbances. The charges range from trespassing and public nuisance to damaging public property, enlisting seven sections of the law.
Amid growing tension, the Additional Chief Public Prosecutor filed an appeal before Administrative Judge Jayachandran at the Madurai Bench, seeking to halt and reverse the single‑judge ruling that had allowed the lighting at the pedestal. Justice Jayachandran accepted the appeal and scheduled it as the opening case of the morning.
Meanwhile, the district administration also lodged a separate petition. Representing District Collector Praveen Kumar, lawyers asked for a stay on the contempt petition filed by the original petitioner, Rama Ravikumar, and requested that the single‑judge order be overturned.
Both the government’s appeal and the Collector’s plea will be heard by Justices Jayachandran and Ramakrishnan at the Madurai Bench. Their decision will shape how the traditional ritual unfolds in the days ahead.
aal/dpb
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