Thiruparankundram verdict: Tamil Nadu govt appeals to Supreme Court
Tamil Nadu government has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging a Madras High Court Madurai Bench order on lighting the Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram temple near Madurai, amid heightened tensions between devotees, police, and political groups.
The dispute centers on a traditional lamp post 15 meters from a nearby dargah, where Justice G.R. Swaminathan directed CISF personnel to light the lamp despite prior restrictions, leading to the revocation of Section 144 orders and demands for police cooperation.
Protesters from BJP and Hindu outfits attempted to ascend the hill again, sparking arguments and arrests, including BJP state president Nainar Nagendran and H. Raja.
The single judge, resuming the case after a division bench dismissed the state’s review petition, ordered the lamp relighting and a compliance report by the next day, emphasizing full police support.