Madurai, Dec 8: Tight police security has been deployed at the lamp post located on top of the Thiruparankundram hill following ongoing legal and administrative developments related to lighting the Karthigai Deepam. Earlier, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had directed that the Karthigai Deepam be lit at the lamp post on the hill. When the order was not implemented, a contempt of court petition was filed.Upon hearing the plea, the court permitted the petitioner to light the Karthigai Deepam and ordered that central force protection be provided. However, this directive was also not carried out. The Tamil Nadu government has since filed an appeal against the High Courtās order before the Supreme Court, citing law and order concerns.
In the present situation, heavy police presence continues both at Thiruparankundram and on the hilltop. Public access to both the dargah and the Kasi Viswanathar Temple has been completely restricted. Police personnel are turning back devotees and visitors attempting to climb the hill, while security arrangements have been intensified around the lamp post and the dargah to prevent any untoward incidents.