Madurai Hill Lamp Lit Amid Controversy, Defying Madras High Court Order
Image Source: Internet
In a tense standoff at the Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, temple authorities lit the Karthigai Deepam at its traditional spot, despite a Madras High Court order to light the lamp at a disputed hilltop pillar. The defiance triggered a controversy and scuffle between police and right-wing activists, leaving a policeman injured. The state government had decided to challenge the court's directive, citing concerns over law and order. Petitioner Rama Ravikumar, accompanied by CISF personnel, was stopped by state police after the Madurai district collector promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS. The temple management had initially appealed the court's order, citing concerns over communal harmony. However, the judge issued a stern ultimatum, directing the lamp to be lit by 6 pm or face contempt proceedings. Following non-compliance, the judge accepted the plea for contempt action and ordered the temple executive officer and the Madurai police commissioner to appear in person. The Thiruparankundram hill has been a site of fragile religious coexistence, with the Subramaniya Swamy temple, Kasi Viswanathan temple, and Sikkander Badusha dargah sharing the space. Tensions escalated in February following protests by Hindu organizations after a member of parliament allegedly consumed meat on the hill. The BJP has characterized Thiruparankundram as the 'Ayodhya of the South' as it seeks to expand its political footprint in Tamil Nadu. The ownership of the hill remains a complex legal and historical dispute, with the Subramaniya Swamy temple claiming ownership of nearly the entire hill based on a 1920 judgment, while the dargah holds recognized rights over the mosque and related structures.
