NE LEGAL BUREAU
MADURAI, JAN 6
In a momentous legal and cultural affirmation of religious liberty, the Madras High Court’s Madurai Division Bench on Tuesday upheld a single judge’s order allowing the traditional lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on the Deepathoon — an ancient stone pillar atop the Thirupparankundram hill in Madurai district.
A Bench comprising Justices G Jayachandran and K K Ramakrishnan delivered the judgment, emphasising that the site on which the Deepathoon stands is part of the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple’s domain, and therefore the temple has the right to perform the lamp-lighting ceremony in accordance with tradition.
- Division Bench affirms temple’s right to light Karthigai Deepam atop the ancient stone pillar
- Judges dismiss law-and-order fears as “imaginary ghost,” emphasise tradition and peace
- Political, religious and civil society leaders react to the landmark ruling
Rejecting the State government’s arguments that the ritual might disturb law and order, the Court observed that such apprehensions were “an imaginary ghost created conveniently” and stated that concerns over public peace should not stand in the way of historic religious practices. The Bench added that lighting of the lamp “symbolises the dispelling of ignorance and invocation of divine presence,” central to the spirit of Karthigai Deepam.
The Court clarified that the temple management may light the lamp after coordinating with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and local authorities, setting the number of participants and ensuring necessary safeguards due to the protected status of the hillock.
REACTIONS POUR IN FROM LEADERS, OFFICIALS AND RELIGIOUS HEADS
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
The Chief Minister welcomed the verdict, calling it a “balancing of constitutional rights and cultural heritage.” He emphasised the importance of harmony and respect for all faiths, urging communities to celebrate the tradition peacefully and in accordance with law.
Union Minister of Education
Reacting strongly to earlier attempts to frustrate the lamp-lighting, the Union Minister said, “This verdict reaffirms that the law protects religious customs deeply rooted in community life.” He added that respect for tradition is integral to national unity and cultural continuity.
Temple Priest of Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple
The chief priest lauded the judgment as a “victory for devotees of Lord Muruga.” He said devotees would prepare for the upcoming Karthigai Deepam festival with renewed enthusiasm, ensuring that rituals are conducted respectfully and in line with the Court’s directions.
Leader of Devotee Groups
Petitioner and Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Rajesh described the verdict as “a remarkable affirmation of religious devotion and the rights of faith communities.” He said the judicial clarity offered hope for preserving age-old practices that resonate deeply with local traditions.
Religious Harmony Council
Responding to the ruling, the Council’s spokesperson said the judgment offers “a pathway toward coexistence and mutual respect.” While affirming the right to worship, the Council urged all groups to avoid polarising the issue and to foster community ties.
WHAT THE COURT SAID
- “Law and order issue is an imaginary ghost created conveniently.” – Division Bench on fear-based objections.
- “The dispelling of ignorance and invocation of divine presence.” – Bench on the spiritual essence of lighting Deepam.
- “We pray that no State should stoop to that level to achieve their political agenda.” – HC on misuse of administrative power.
