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SC Upholds Madras HC Order on Madurai Dargah Prayers & Animal Sacrifice Ban

The Supreme Court has upheld a Madras High Court order restricting religious practices at the Sikandar Badusha Avuliya Dargah on Thirupparankundram hills in Madurai. The apex court ruled that Muslims can offer prayers at the Dargah only during Ramzan and Bakri-Id, not daily, and affirmed a ban on animal sacrifice on the premises. The Bench termed the High Court's original order as "balanced" and saw no reason to interfere with it. The case stemmed from an appeal by a worshipper challenging the restrictions, despite the court acknowledging the Dargah's ownership of the land.

Key Points: SC Upholds Madras HC Order on Madurai Dargah Practices

  • SC upholds HC order on religious practices
  • Prayers allowed only on Ramzan & Bakri-Id
  • Animal sacrifice prohibited at Dargah
  • Order applies to 33-cent Nellithoppu area
  • Santhanakoodu Urus festival restricted to 50 people
2 min read

SC upholds Madras HC order restricting religious practices atop Madurai's Thirupparankundram hills

Supreme Court restricts daily prayers & bans animal sacrifice at Thirupparankundram Dargah, allowing worship only on Ramzan & Bakri-Id.

"balanced one and found no reason to disturb it - Supreme Court Bench"

New Delhi, February 9

The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the Madras High Court's October 2025 judgment restricting religious practices at the Nellithoppu area atop the Thirupparankundram hills in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.

Upholding the High Court's ruling, the apex court held that Muslims are entitled to offer prayers at the Sikandar Badusha Avuliya Dargah only on the occasions of Ramzan and Bakri-Id, and not on a daily basis. The Court also affirmed the prohibition on animal sacrifice within the Dargah premises.

The appeal before the Supreme Court was filed by M Imam Hussain, a worshipper at the Dargah, challenging the High Court's decision despite its recognition that the Nellithoppu area--measuring 33 cents--is owned by the Dargah.

A Bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale termed the High Court's order a "balanced" one and found no reason to disturb it.

Last month, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed the authorities of the Hazrat Sultan Sikandar Badusha Dargah, located on the Thirupparankundram hill, to conduct only the Santhanakoodu Urus festival and to restrict the total number of participants to 50.

During the hearing, the State government submitted that permission would be granted only for the Santhanakoodu festival scheduled for January 6. It informed the court that similar permission had been granted in 2023 and that the same conditions would be followed this year as well.

The government further submitted that permission would not be granted for the Kandhoori Mahautsav and that animal sacrifice, carrying meat or non-vegetarian food, and cooking non-vegetarian food would not be permitted. The court had posted the matter to January 20 for the filing of a counter-affidavit.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I respect the court's decision for maintaining law and order, I feel a bit sad for the devotees. If the land belongs to the Dargah, shouldn't they have more say in their daily practices? Hope the community finds peace with this.
S
Siddharth J
This is a classic example of the judiciary stepping in to prevent potential communal tensions. Thirupparankundram is a major pilgrimage site. Limiting large gatherings to specific festivals is a sensible precaution. The Supreme Court has done well.
A
Anjali F
Good decision. The hill area is ecologically sensitive too. Unrestricted crowds and activities can harm the environment. Restrictions on non-veg food and cooking are also necessary for cleanliness in a shared public space.
M
Michael C
Interesting case. It seems the court is trying to balance property rights with public interest and security concerns. Limiting participants to 50 for a festival seems very strict, though. I wonder how that number was decided.
K
Karthik V
As someone from Tamil Nadu, I appreciate this ruling. Madurai is a city of temples and harmony. The courts have to be extra careful. Allowing prayers only on major festivals is a fair compromise to prevent any misuse or escalation.

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

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