Madras High Court Clears Lamp Lighting at Thirupparankundram Hill on Deepathoon

Tamil Nadu: The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday upheld a single judge's order allowing traditional lamp lighting on the occasion of Deepthoon at Tirupparankundram hill. The court clarified that this matter was not decided earlier in any other case; hence, it cannot be considered within the ambit of res judicata. Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan's division bench said that the order of the single bench is legally correct and there is no basis to stay it. This decision of the court has come amid the long-running controversy related to Tirupparankundram.

What is the whole controversy?

Tirupparankundram hill has been considered a symbol of religious harmony for years. The historic Subramaniam Swamy Temple, Kashi Vishwanathar Temple, and Sikandar Badusha Dargah are situated on this hill. The Dargah was built long after the temples, but religious activities of different communities have been going on together here for a long time.

How did the matter reach the court?

Some time ago, a social worker had filed a petition demanding that permission be given to light the Karthigai Deepam on the lamp pillar located on the top of the hill during the Deepthoon festival. On this, single judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan had directed the state administration to allow the petitioner and ten others along with him to reach the top of the hill and light the lamp.

Why did the state government object?

The Tamil Nadu government said that traditionally the lamp has been lit in the nearby Deepa Mandapam. There is a possibility of worsening of the law and order situation by lighting lamps on the top of the hill. On this basis the government had challenged the order of the single bench.

Why did the tension increase earlier?

In February last year, tension had increased in the area when Hindu organizations accused an MP of eating non-vegetarian food on the hill. After this, political rhetoric also intensified. Recently BJP had even termed Tirupparankundram as “Ayodhya of the South.”

What claims regarding property?

The Subramaniam Swamy temple administration claims that the temple has rights over almost the entire hill based on a court decision of 1920. At the same time, the Dargah management says that their rights over the mosque and its associated structures are recognized. After the latest order of the High Court, this issue has once again come into discussion. The administration and local people are now eyeing how order is enforced and peace is maintained during Deepthoon.