SC Seeks Centre's Response on Plea to Hand Over Madurai Temple to ASI

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The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on a petition to take over the Thimpparankundram Lord Murugan Temple in Madurai. The plea, filed by the Hindu Dharma Parishad, seeks to ensure the lamp on the temple hill remains lit throughout the year. The move comes after a controversy erupted over the lighting of the lamp, which is part of the Tamil Karthigai Deepam festival. The petitioners argue that the temple's proximity to a dargah has led to restrictions on devotees, who are seeking free access to the temple. They claim that the state authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), citing apprehension of law and order situations. However, a single judge later quashed the order and summoned the chief secretary and a top police official. The Hindu Dharma Parishad has requested the Supreme Court to direct the ASI to take over the temple and ensure the hill is lit with lamps during the Karthigai month. They also want Lord Muruga devotees to be allowed to worship without any hindrance. The Madras High Court had earlier allowed the parties to light the lamp on the hill, but the district authority has since filed an appeal. The petitioners argue that the entire hill should come under the jurisdiction of the ASI to enable devotees to peacefully pray and perform rituals at the temple. The controversy surrounding the temple's lighting has sparked a debate on the importance of preserving ancient traditions and the need for tolerance and understanding between different faiths.