Karthigai Deepam
Amit Shah Condemns INDIA Bloc's Unprecedented Move to Impeach High Court Judge Over Religious Custom Ruling
Dec 11, 2025 09:15 am CST
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticized opposition parties for attempting to impeach Justice GR Swaminathan of the Madras High Court over his ruling on a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. The controversial decision, which involved a temple near a dargah in Tamil Nadu, has sparked political tension with the DMK-led government claiming the judge showed religious bias. This unprecedented impeachment attempt has raised questions about judicial independence and religious practices in India's secular democracy.
Tamil Nadu BJP Condemns INDIA Bloc's Impeachment Move Against Judge in Temple Lamp Controversy
Dec 09, 2025 08:32 pm CST
The Tamil Nadu BJP has criticized Opposition MPs for seeking the removal of Justice GR Swaminathan over his ruling on lighting a lamp near a dargah at Thirupparankundram temple. Over 120 INDIA bloc MPs submitted an impeachment notice, highlighting tensions between the DMK government and judiciary. BJP leaders accused the DMK of targeting the judge for his Brahmin identity and engaging in appeasement politics, while the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the state government's challenge to the ruling.
Religious Dispute Escalates in Tamil Nadu: Court Order on Karthigai Deepam Lighting Sparks Protests
Dec 05, 2025 03:24 am CST
A religious dispute has erupted in Tamil Nadu's Thiruparakundram as BJP and right-wing supporters protest against police refusal to allow lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on a hilltop despite High Court orders. The controversy centers around a historic ritual at the Subramaniya Swamy temple, with the DMK government citing a 2014 court verdict while protesters claim religious rights are being denied. The conflict highlights growing religious tensions in the state as legal battles continue.
Tamil Nadu Court Battle: Thirupparankundram Deepam Controversy Continues as DMK Defends Traditional Practices
Dec 05, 2025 03:23 am CST
The Madras High Court has dismissed Tamil Nadu government's appeal in the Thirupparankundram Deepam contempt case, allowing the petitioner to light the traditional Karthigai Deepam on the ancient hilltop pillar under police protection. The DMK party maintains this is not a setback, claiming they are protecting local Hindu traditions while the petitioners are disconnected from community practices. The religious dispute centers around the proper location for lighting the ceremonial lamp during the important Hindu festival celebrating light over darkness.
Madras High Court Orders Karthigai Deepam to be Lit at Historical Deepathoon Pillar in Thirupparankundram
Dec 02, 2025 01:53 am CST
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ruled that the Karthigai Deepam festival lamp must be lit at both the traditional Uchi Pillaiyar Temple location and the ancient Deepathoon pillar in Thirupparankundram, Madurai. Justice GR Swaminathan affirmed the temple's rights over the historical pillar despite opposition from temple administrators and the nearby Dargah, emphasizing that lighting the lamp at this long-unused site represents a necessary assertion of the temple's legal claim to the property.