The Aryavarth Express
Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy on Tuesday said the state government will move the Supreme Court against the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court verdict permitting the lighting of a lamp at the Deepathoon atop the Thiruparankundram hills.
Reacting to the order, Regupathy said there is no established tradition of lighting a lamp on the hill and claimed the decision runs contrary to the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, he stated, “There is no practice regarding the lighting of the lamp at the top of the Thiruparankundram Hills. It is against the feelings of the Tamil Nadu people. We are going to the Supreme Court.”
Earlier in the day, a division bench of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan, upheld an earlier order passed by Justice G.R. Swaminathan. The bench observed that the district administration should have treated the issue as an opportunity to promote communal harmony through dialogue and mediation.
The court also emphasised that the Thiruparankundram hill is a protected site and that any activity carried out there must strictly adhere to the relevant legal provisions. Clarifying its ruling, the bench said that lighting of the lamp on the Deepathoon would be permitted subject to specific conditions, and that the number of people allowed could be regulated in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India.
Petitioner Rajesh welcomed the verdict, describing it as a significant ruling. He said the court rejected the state government’s arguments, including concerns over potential law and order issues. Calling the decision a victory for Hindus in Tamil Nadu and devotees of Lord Murugan, he urged the temple administration to make arrangements to light the lamp in accordance with the court’s directions.
