The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) has directed the Government of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) to personally appear before the court next week in connection with a contempt petition over the disputed lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram Hill.
The case stems from an earlier order by the court permitting devotees to light a lamp at a stone pillar (Deepathoon) on the hill ā a directive that reportedly was not honored by the temple authorities and administration.
After hearing arguments, Justice G.R. Swaminathan ā who is presiding over the contempt petition ā acknowledged that state authorities argued the matter should await a separate appeal hearing; yet the court insisted on compliance, stressing that orders cannot be defied on procedural grounds.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 17, 2025, when the Chief Secretary and ADGP (L&O) must appear to explain the failure to implement the lighting order and the earlier prohibition under Section 144 (now Section 163 BNSS) of the relevant prohibitory regulations that had banned the lamp lighting.
Legal observers say the courtās decision to summon top bureaucrats marks a stern assertion of judicial authority and accountability ā an attempt to ensure that religious-ritual-related rulings are enforced without delay, and not subject to administrative lapses.