The Supreme Court of India on Friday issued notices to the Centre, the Tamil Nadu government, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other parties in response to a petition seeking judicial directions on the takeover of the historic Thirupparankundram Lord Murugan Subramaniya Swamy Temple by the ASI.
The top court also asked for replies on calls for permanent lighting of the ancient stone lamp (‘deepathoon’) atop the hill near the temple.
A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M. Pancholi issued the notices after hearing the plea filed by the Hindu Dharma Parishad, which argued that ASI should assume control of the temple complex in Madurai to safeguard its religious and cultural heritage. The petition also seeks an order for the ancient stone lamp on the hill to be lit 24 hours daily, stressing continued worship rights and annual lamp lighting on the Tamil month of Karthigai.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court was informed that the Madras High Court, on January 6, upheld a single judge’s directive allowing the lighting of the lamp and rejected claims that it would disturb public peace. The High Court clarified that the location of the stone pillar belongs to the temple.
The matter has been listed for further consideration after the notices are served to the respondents, signalling ongoing legal scrutiny over heritage protection, temple management, and religious practices at one of Tamil Nadu’s ancient sacred sites.