Overview
- A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M. Pancholi issued notices to the Centre, the ASI, Tamil Nadu, the HR&CE Department, the Madurai district administration, the city police commissioner, and the temple’s executive officer.
- The Hindu Dharma Parishad’s petition asks for ASI management of the Thirupparankundram complex, permanent round-the-clock lighting of the deepathoon stone pillar, and full-hill illumination with devotee access on Karthigai.
- On January 6, a Madras High Court division bench upheld an earlier order permitting the ritual, clarified that the pillar stands on temple land, and limited the lighting to temple management without public accompaniment.
- Earlier enforcement disputes led to a contempt proceeding in which controlled access was allowed with CISF presence and a Section 144 order was quashed by the single judge.
- State officials, the dargah authorities, and the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board have opposed expanded lighting and access, citing lack of precedent and public-order concerns, and the Supreme Court will consider the matter after responses are filed.