Madras HC Upholds Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram Hill, Rejects TN Govt Appeal

In a significant verdict, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's appeal and upheld the right to light the Karthigai Deepam atop the Thiruparankundram hill. A division bench comprising Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan rejected the State's law and order concerns, terming them an 'imaginary ghost'. The court affirmed that the 'Deepathoon' (stone pillar) is located on Devasthanam land and directed that the lighting of the lamp be permitted. The ruling is seen as a setback for the ruling DMK government, which plans to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court. The programme also features political reactions, with the opposition hailing the judgment while the State maintains there is no precedent for the ritual.