A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court order on the Deepam lighting at Thirupparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu. The High Court had said the lamp could be lit only if the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and police gave permission.The petitioner, Rama Ravikumar, said this makes a religious practice conditional on government permission. He argued that the temple has the right to light the lamp and this should not be restricted by officials.
Ravikumar also claimed the High Court went beyond its powers by adding new restrictions even after earlier court rulings recognised the templeās control of the hill.
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre, the Tamil Nadu government and others to respond to the plea.