Deepam Verdict: Tamil Nadu Govt, Petitioners Clash Over Law-and-Order Issue

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has delivered its verdict in the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam case after hearing arguments from petitioners and the Tamil Nadu government over alleged law-and-order concerns. Petitioners had argued that fears of public disorder were speculative and could not override religious practice, while the state maintained that lighting the Deepam at the hilltop stone pillar near the dargah could pose security challenges. In its ruling, the division bench directed that the Karthigai Deepam be lit at the hilltop pillar by temple authorities, while also mandating safeguards, restricted access, and preservation of monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India. The court disposed of multiple petitions and appeals, instructing the district administration to ensure safety and maintain public order during the ritual.