The Madurai High Court has upheld an earlier order permitting the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the stone pillar atop Thiruparankundram hill, effectively bringing closure to a long-running and sensitive dispute surrounding the ritual.
A division bench comprising Justices G. Jayachandran and K. K. Ramakrishnan observed that the controversy had been “unnecessarily politicised” and remarked that the district administration missed an opportunity to resolve the matter through dialogue between the concerned communities.
Lawyers present in court said the bench was critical of the manner in which the issue had been handled, noting that administrative caution should not automatically override constitutionally protected religious practices.
Lamp May Be Lit, Subject to Strict Conditions
While allowing the ritual, the court imposed clear restrictions, citing the site’s protected status. The judges ruled that the ceremonial lamp may be lit at the hilltop stone pillar, but public access to the ceremony will remain restricted.
The bench further directed that the district administration must consult the Archaeological Survey of India before proceeding and ensure that all activities strictly comply with heritage conservation laws.
“The hill has archaeological and cultural significance, and any ritual must be conducted without causing damage to the protected structure,” the court said.
Background of the Dispute
The matter arose from a petition filed by Hindu Tamil Party leader Rama Ravikumar, who sought directions permitting the traditional lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the hilltop pillar, a practice he argued had been followed for generations.
On December 1 last year, single judge Justice G. R. Swaminathan allowed the plea and directed that the ritual be conducted on the festival day. However, the district administration did not implement the order, citing apprehensions of potential law-and-order problems.
The non-compliance led to appeals being filed, prompting the division bench to re-examine the issue.
Tradition Versus Administrative Concerns
Temple representatives submitted that the hilltop pillar is the traditional site for the Karthigai Deepam and that the practice aligns with long-standing customs and Agama traditions. They argued that denying the ritual amounted to an unjustified interference with religious practice.
The state government and temple administration opposed the plea, contending that there was no conclusive documentary evidence to establish the existence of a lamp pillar at the hilltop. Officials also raised concerns about communal sensitivities, pointing out that the hill houses both a Hindu temple and a dargah.
The court, however, rejected the argument that law-and-order concerns alone could justify preventing the ritual, particularly when there was historical material supporting the practice.
Court Flags Failure of Mediation
In its order, the bench noted that the district administration should have handled the issue with greater sensitivity. It observed that officials ought to have facilitated dialogue between stakeholders instead of allowing tensions to escalate.
The judges emphasised that the role of the administration is to maintain harmony while safeguarding constitutional rights, not to avoid decision-making due to political pressure.
Protests and Tragic Incident
The dispute drew widespread attention after a 40-year-old man died by self-immolation, allegedly distressed by the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the issue. Police have said the incident is under investigation.
While the court did not directly comment on the incident, it underlined the need for responsible governance and timely administrative action in matters involving religious sentiment.
Political Reactions
The Bharatiya Janata Party welcomed the verdict, describing it as a significant affirmation of religious freedom. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, in a post on X, criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, calling the judgment an embarrassment for the party and questioning its commitment to constitutional values.
The DMK has not issued a detailed response to the verdict at the time of publication.
What Happens Next
With the High Court’s ruling in place, the district administration must now coordinate with the Archaeological Survey of India and ensure that the Karthigai Deepam is lit strictly in accordance with legal and heritage guidelines.
While public participation will remain limited, the judgment clears the way for the ritual to proceed at the hilltop pillar in line with tradition. Legal experts say the ruling may have wider implications for similar disputes involving religious practices at protected heritage sites across Tamil Nadu.
