Tamil Nadu High Court Confronts State Officials Over Failure to Implement Karthigai Deepam Lighting Order

Chennai:

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court convened on Tuesday to address a contempt petition stemming from the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam controversy. Tamil Nadu's Chief Secretary and Director General of Police appeared before Justice GR Swaminathan via video conference.

Justice Swaminathan requested clarification from state officials regarding the non-execution of his previous order that permitted lighting the Karthigai Deepam on a pillar adjacent to the dargah atop the hill. The judge emphasized that court directives cannot be suspended merely citing law and order concerns, and questioned why authorities failed to honor the judicial mandate.

In response, the Chief Secretary assured the court that the government had no intention to defy the High Court's directive. He informed Justice Swaminathan that the state government had already filed an appeal challenging the single judge's order before a Division Bench of the High Court.

Both the Madurai District Collector and City Police Commissioner provided statements asserting there was no ulterior motive behind implementing prohibitory orders in the area. They maintained that restrictions were enforced solely to preserve public order as the situation had become sensitive due to gathering crowds.

The contempt hearing has been postponed to January 9, considering the pending appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government currently before a two-judge Bench. Arguments in this appeal have continued for four consecutive days, with representatives from the dargah, temple, HR&CE department, Wakf Board, and Devaswom presenting cases against the original order. The petitioners are scheduled to present their arguments today.

The dispute originated on December 1 when Justice Swaminathan permitted lighting the Deepam on a pillar situated next to the dargah on Thiruparankundram hill. However, on December 3, during Karthigai Deepam, temple administrators only lit the lamp at the traditional location near Uchchipillayar Temple on another section of the hill—a practice observed for over a century.

That same day, the petitioner filed a contempt plea, prompting Justice Swaminathan to order the petitioner and ten others to proceed to the disputed pillar to light the lamp, with CISF escort provided. As crowds assembled and tensions reportedly escalated, the Madurai Collector implemented prohibitory orders, preventing execution of the court's directive.

The following day, the judge nullified these prohibitory orders and again directed that the lamp be lit with security provided by State police. However, reports indicate police prevented this from occurring, which led the temple administration, State government, and police to file an appeal before the Division Bench.

Meanwhile, India BLOC MPs have initiated impeachment proceedings against Justice Swaminathan, alleging misconduct. They maintain their complaint is unrelated to his ruling on Thiruparankundram.