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TN Govt to Challenge Deepam Lamp Order in Supreme Court, Cites Sentiments

Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy announced the state government will approach the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court verdict permitting the lighting of a lamp at the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple. The minister argued there is no established practice of lighting the lamp atop the hill and that the order goes against the sentiments of the people. The Madurai Bench of the High Court had upheld an earlier order, stating the lamp could be lit subject to conditions and in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India. The petitioner welcomed the verdict as a victory for Hindu devotees and urged the temple to make arrangements.

Key Points: TN to Move SC Against Court's Deepathoon Lamp Order at Murugan Temple

  • TN govt to challenge HC verdict in SC
  • No established practice of lighting lamp
  • Order against people's sentiments
  • Court allowed lamp with conditions
  • Petitioner calls verdict a victory
2 min read

"We are going to the Supreme Court": Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy opposes Deepathoon lamp order at Thiruparankundram

Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy says state will approach Supreme Court against HC order permitting lamp lighting at Thiruparankundram hill temple.

"We are going to the Supreme Court. - S Regupathy"

Chennai, January 7

Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy on Tuesday said that the state government will approach the Supreme Court of India against the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court verdict on the Thiruparankundram Deepam case. Reacting to the court's order, the minister stated that there is no established practice of lighting a lamp atop the Thiruparankundram hills and claimed that the decision goes against the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Regupathy said the state disagrees with the ruling that permits the lighting of the lamps on the "Deepathoon" at the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple. "There is no practice regarding the lighting of the lamp at the top of the Thiruparankundram Hills. It is against the feelings of the Tamil Nadu people. We are going to the Supreme Court," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Madurai bench, comprising Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan, upheld an earlier order passed by Justice GR Swaminathan. The bench observed that the district administration should have viewed the issue as an opportunity to promote harmony between communities through mediation. The court also underlined that the Thiruparankundram hill is a protected site and any activity carried out there must strictly comply with the relevant provisions of the law.

Clarifying its position, the court said that the lamp may be lit on the Deepathoon, subject to conditions, and that the number of persons allowed can be regulated after consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India.

Petitioner Rajesh welcomed the verdict, calling it remarkable. He said the state government's arguments, including concerns over possible law and order issues, were rejected by the court. Terming the ruling a victory for Hindus in Tamil Nadu and devotees of Lord Murugan, he urged the temple administration to make necessary arrangements for lighting the lamp in accordance with the court's directions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The court's point about promoting harmony is key. Instead of fighting legal battles, can't the administration and temple trustees sit together and find a middle path? We need solutions, not more conflict.
V
Vikram M
The minister says it's against the sentiments of Tamil Nadu people. But which people? Many Hindus in the state want this tradition to continue. The government should respect the court's nuanced decision.
S
Sarah B
I'm visiting from the US and find this fascinating. The court's emphasis on the hill being a protected site and requiring ASI consultation makes perfect sense. It's about preserving heritage while allowing practice. A good model.
A
Aditya G
With all due respect to the minister, going to the Supreme Court seems like a waste of public money and judicial time. The High Court order is very clear and conditional. Let's focus on real issues like infrastructure and jobs.
M
Meera T
Lord Murugan's temple is a place of peace. The Deepam is a symbol of light over darkness. I hope the Supreme Court, if it hears the case, upholds the devotees' right to observe their traditions within the framework of the law. Aum Saravanabhava!

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