Madras HC Upholds Order To Light Deepam At Tiruparankundram Dargah Hill

In this Special Report, India Today’s Pramod Madhav reports from the Sikandar Basha Dargah atop the Tiruparankundram hill in Madurai. The report follows a significant ruling by the Madras High Court Division Bench, which upheld a single-judge order regarding the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam. Pramod Madhav notes, ‘The court has said that it has allowed and upheld the order by G.R. Swaminathan, which has stated that Kartikey Deebam can be lit atop the actual pillar which is 15 meters away from the spot.’ The controversy centered on the "Deepam Thoon" (lamp pillar) located near the Dargah’s compound wall. Despite previous tensions in December, the situation remains calm with heavy police presence ensuring security. Devotees have been permitted to offer prayers at the Dargah following the Santhana Kudavira ceremony. The court emphasized that maintaining law and order is the state's responsibility and criticized the government's previous handling of the matter, ensuring that religious practices continue peacefully at this significant site.