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Madras HC Judge Swaminathan Lights Deepathoon Lamp, Jokes About Suspension

Madras High Court Judge Justice GR Swaminathan lit a lamp resembling the controversial Deepathoon lamp at an awards event in Chennai. He made light-hearted remarks about his remaining service and not being suspended. His original judicial order to light lamps on the Deepathoon at Tirupparankundram temple had drawn criticism and an impeachment motion from INDIA bloc MPs. However, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court upheld his order, stipulating consultation with the ASI for the ritual.

Key Points: Madras HC Judge Swaminathan Lights Deepathoon Lamp at Chennai Event

  • Judge lights look-alike lamp at awards
  • Jokes about not being suspended before tenure
  • His Deepathoon judgment was controversial but upheld
  • Court said lamp lighting must consult ASI
  • Over 100 MPs sought impeachment
2 min read

Madras HC Judge Justice GR Swaminathan lights Deepathoon look-alike lamp at an event in Chennai

Justice GR Swaminathan lights a lamp, jokes about tenure, and discusses his controversial Deepathoon judgment upheld by the Madras High Court.

"Today's programme gave me hope to strengthen Sanathana Dharma - Justice GR Swaminathan"

Chennai, January 25

Madras HC Judge Justice GR Swaminathan, whose judgement to light lamps on the "Deepathoon" in Tirupparankundram temple sparked a controversy in Tamil Nadu, on Saturday, lit a look-alike lamp at the Dhara Divine Awards in Chennai.

While lighting the lamp, he jokingly said, "Is this not a survey stone right which I light right?"

Speaking about the event, he said, "I am so happy to participate in the programme. Everyone who got a prize today is great and excellent in their respective work. Particularly, Ilaiyaraaja's grandson, who is so humble and fell at our feet and got blessings."

He further jokingly said, "I have four and a half years' service and believe and hope I will not be suspended before my tenure."

"Today's programme gave me hope to strengthen Sanathana Dharma," he added.

Justice GR Swaminathan faced strong criticism from the ruling DMK government over his judgment to light the lamps on the "Deepathoon" in Tirupparankundram temple.

Over 100 INDIA bloc MPs from the Lok Sabha during the Winter session submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla regarding an impeachment motion against Madras HC judge Justice Swaminathan

However, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on January 6 upheld Justice GR Swaminathan's order.

The bench, consisting of Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan, observed that the district administration ought to have treated the issue as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the communities through mediation.

It further held that, since the hill is a protected site, any activity there must strictly comply with the Act's provisions. The Court clarified that the lamp may be lit and the number of persons permitted can be fixed, subject to consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Petitioner Rajesh called the court's order remarkable, stating that the lamp should be lit on a Deepathoon and the temple administration should make the necessary arrangements for it. He said that the arguments presented by the state government into the matter were rejected by the court.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Respectfully, a judge's public statements about strengthening Sanathana Dharma at an award function are concerning. The judiciary must be seen as completely neutral, beyond all faiths and politics. This blurs the line.
K
Karthik V
The High Court bench made the correct call. The administration failed in its duty to mediate. It's always about finding a middle path. Lighting a lamp is a simple act of faith, why make it a national crisis? The ASI rules are there for a reason.
A
Aman W
Over 100 MPs for impeachment? That's huge. Shows how politicized this has become. But if the higher bench upheld his order, then his legal reasoning was sound. The drama is unnecessary.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this from an outside perspective. The judge's comment about Ilaiyaraaja's grandson touching feet is such a cultural moment. It's about respect for elders and blessings, something beautiful.
V
Vikram M
The core issue is about a protected archaeological site. The court's clarification is perfect - follow the ASI rules, limit the crowd, and let the ritual happen. Why should the government oppose a peaceful religious practice that follows the law?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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