Madras High Court Slams Tamil Nadu Government: Law and Order Cannot Be Used to Defy Court Orders

Madurai: The Madras High Court has sharply reprimanded the Tamil Nadu government over the “Deepathoon” pillar case, stating that the government cannot refuse to implement judicial orders under the pretext of maintaining law and order.

The controversy arose when the Tamil Nadu government denied permission to light the traditional Karthigai Deepam on the Deepathoon pillar located in the Tirupparankundram hills, despite a court directive allowing it. In response, the Madurai bench of the High Court emphasized that ignoring court orders is unacceptable.

Court stresses compliance with judicial orders
Hearing a contempt petition against government officials, the court made it clear that all court orders must be followed unless stayed or overturned by a higher court. The judges noted that while there may be exceptional cases where implementing a judicial order is genuinely impractical, invoking “law and order” as a reason to defy a court order is entirely unacceptable.

The stern observation came after Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s stance in court, citing law and order concerns as the reason for denying the permission. During the hearing, the Chief Secretary and ADGP (Law and Order) appeared via video conferencing, while the Madurai District Collector and Police Commissioner were present in person.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for 9 January 2026.