Supreme Court upholds Madras HC order on Deepam row, dismisses Muslim side's plea

The Supreme Court has upheld the Madras High Court's verdict regarding the Karthigai Deepam matter, dismissing a plea from the Muslim side. The petition challenged the High Court's order which restricted the offering of namaz at the site to only the festivals of Ramzan and Bakrid. The apex court noted that the High Court had provided a 'balanced order' and declined to interfere in the matter. During the proceedings, it was argued that there were no law and order problems to justify such restrictions. However, the Supreme Court questioned the necessity of a Peace Committee meeting if no issues existed. The controversy involves the lighting of the ceremonial lamp at the Deepa Thoon, a stone pillar, which has been a point of contention between different groups. The court's decision maintains the status quo established by the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, effectively rejecting the demand for unrestricted prayer access at the location.