Tension in Thiruparakundram Over Karthigai Deepam Ritual

• Police stop BJP and right-wing groups from lighting Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparakundram hilltop.
• Madurai Bench allowed lighting at the Deepathoon pillar; state cites 2014 HC ruling restricting the ritual.
• Justice GR Swaminathan permits petitioner with CISF escort; prohibitory orders spark protests.
• DMK accuses BJP of politicising the issue; court seeks compliance report on December 5.

GG News Bureau
Thiruparakundram, 5th Dec: Thiruparakundram in Tamil Nadu witnessed tense scenes on Thursday evening after police blocked BJP workers and right-wing groups from lighting the Karthigai Deepam lamp at the hilltop Deepathoon pillar, despite an order from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. The move triggered loud protests and a road blockade by BJP supporters.

BJP state chief Nainar Nagendhran and supporters arrived at the site soon after the High Court revoked prohibitory orders on large gatherings. The lamp-lighting ceremony at the Subramaniya Swamy temple hill is an important ritual associated with Karthigai Deepam.

The dispute revolves around whether the lamp may be lit at the ancient pillar near the hilltop dargah. Although the ritual was performed at this pillar in the past, a 2014 division bench ruling restricted lighting to the traditional lower-level spot near the Uchipillayar Temple. This year, a fresh petition led the Madurai Bench to permit lighting the lamp on the pillar as well, directing temple authorities to make arrangements.

However, the state government enforced prohibitory orders, citing concerns over public sentiment and referring to the standing 2014 verdict. The temple administration lit the lamp only at the usual spot, prompting a contempt petition.

On Thursday, Justice GR Swaminathan allowed petitioner Rama Ravikumar, ten companions and CISF personnel to access the hilltop pillar. The state’s appeal was dismissed, but police continued to block access, saying they were challenging the revocation of prohibitory orders.

A standoff followed, with BJP workers accusing the DMK of defying the court. “The DMK government is creating tension without following the court order,” Nagendhran said.

The state countered that right-wing groups were politicising the issue ahead of next year’s Assembly election. Minister S. Regupathi said the government was bound by the 2014 ruling and accused opponents of attempting to ignite religious sentiment.

Justice Swaminathan has sought a compliance report by 10.30 am on December 5. With police yet to allow the hilltop ritual, the legal dispute is set to continue.