HC Seeks State Reply in Thiruparankundram Deepam Contempt Case
TN Chief Secretary, DGP appear before Madurai Bench over non-implementation of court order
GG News Bureau
Madurai, 18th Dec: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday heard a contempt petition linked to the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam dispute, with Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and Director General of Police appearing via video conference before Justice G.R. Swaminathan.
Justice Swaminathan sought an explanation from the state government on why his earlier order permitting the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on a pillar adjacent to the dargah atop the Thiruparankundram hill was not implemented. Observing that judicial orders cannot be kept in abeyance on the pretext of law and order issues, the judge questioned the failure to execute the direction.
Responding to the court, the Chief Secretary submitted that there was no intention to defy the High Court’s order. He informed the bench that the Tamil Nadu government had already filed an appeal before a Division Bench challenging the single judge’s directions. The Madurai District Collector and the City Police Commissioner also made submissions, stating that prohibitory orders were imposed solely to maintain public order as the situation became sensitive due to large gatherings.
Taking note of the appeal pending before the Division Bench, the court adjourned the contempt proceedings to January 9. The appeal, being heard by a two-judge bench, has seen arguments continuing for the fourth consecutive day, with the dargah, temple authorities, HR&CE department, Wakf Board and Devaswom presenting submissions opposing the single judge’s order. The petitioners are scheduled to advance their arguments next.
The dispute dates back to December 1, when Justice Swaminathan permitted the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on a pillar located near the dargah. However, on December 3, the day of the festival, the temple administration lit the lamp only at the traditional spot near the Uchchipillayar Temple, where the ritual has been performed for over a century.
Following this, the petitioner moved a contempt plea. Justice Swaminathan then directed the petitioner and ten others to proceed to the disputed pillar to light the lamp, with CISF protection. As tensions reportedly escalated due to crowding, the Madurai District Collector imposed prohibitory orders, preventing the execution of the court’s directive.
The next day, the judge quashed the prohibitory orders and reiterated his direction to light the lamp with police protection. However, the police allegedly stopped the exercise, prompting the temple administration, state government and police authorities to file an appeal before the Division Bench.
Meanwhile, MPs from the INDIA bloc have initiated impeachment proceedings against Justice Swaminathan, alleging misconduct. They have asserted that their complaint is unrelated to his order in the Thiruparankundram case.
