Overview
- During contempt proceedings, Justice G.R. Swaminathan asked whether repeated non‑compliance with his directions was occurring under instructions and ordered the Chief Secretary to file a detailed reply and appear virtually.
- The HR&CE told the division bench that archaeological writings identify the Thirupparankundram stone pillar as a Jain structure used by Digambara monks for lighting, not as a site for Karthigai Deepam.
- State counsel cited similar pillars at Samanar Hills and Shravanabelagola and said the festival lamp is traditionally lit at the Uchipillaiyar temple mandapam.
- The Tamil Nadu Waqf Board argued that a 1920 Original Suit grants the summit and adjacent areas, including the pillar’s location, to the Sikandar Badusha Dargah and suggested court‑monitored mediation.
- Counsel for the dargah urged that petitioners prove any lamp‑lighting custom in a civil court, the petitioners defended their claimed rights and past orders, and the division bench adjourned for further hearing without a final resolution.