A crucial hearing in the long‑running Thiruparankundram Deepam controversy is set for a verdict tomorrow by the Madras High Court, Madurai Bench, in a case concerning the traditional lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on the hilltop near the Sikandar Badusha Dargah.
The legal battle has drawn widespread attention due to its cultural, religious, and administrative implications.
The dispute began after a lower court judge in December 2025 ordered that the Karthigai Deepam be lit atop the historic stone lamp pillar known as the Deepathoon on Thiruparankundram hill.
The judge’s directive followed petitions by devotees seeking restoration of the traditional practice, which had been curtailed by administrative decisions.
However, despite the court’s directive, the ceremonial lighting was not carried out on the designated day, leading to contempt proceedings against government officials for failing to implement the order.
In response, the Tamil Nadu government filed an appeal against the directive of the single‑judge bench, arguing that allowing the ritual could lead to public order issues given the proximity of the Dargah.
The Madurai Bench — led by Justices K.K. Ramakrishnan and J. Jayachandran — will announce its decision tomorrow, which could determine whether the historic hilltop ritual may proceed under judicial protection or whether administrative objections will be upheld.
The case has generated a wider debate on tradition, law, and public order, with previous orders allowing the ritual under escort by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and administrative attempts to limit or relocate the ceremony.
