Madras HC Upholds Deepam Verdict on Madurai Hill; Stalin Says 'Periyar's Flame Will Shine Forever'

In this Special Report, India Today's Senior Editor Pramod Madhav details the Madras High Court's verdict upholding the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on the Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai. The court rejected the state's law and order concerns regarding the proximity to the Sikandar Darga, affirming the land belongs to the temple. Amidst the controversy, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin asserted that 'the flame of equality lit by Periyar will shine forever,' countering BJP allegations of hurting Hindu sentiments. The report highlights the clash between the DMK government's stance and the judicial order favoring the temple's traditional rights.