The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and the ADGP (Law & Order) to appear via video conference on 17 December in connection with the Thiruparankundram Deepam controversy. The Union Home Secretary has also been made a party to the case.
Background of the Case
The order was issued during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by Ram Ravikumar. The petition alleged that officials of Tamil Nadu, including the Madurai District Collector, Police Commissioner, and Executive Officer of Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, failed to comply with earlier court orders. The petitioner’s counsel argued that the officials were attempting to circumvent the court’s directions regarding the lighting of lamps on Thiruparankundram hill.
Court’s Previous Orders
Earlier, on 1 December, Justice G.R. Swaminathan had directed the temple authorities to ensure that the Karthigai Deepam festival on 3 December proceeded with the lighting of lamps as ordered. Despite this, the event did not take place. Subsequently, the court allowed the petitioner and ten others to perform the lamp lighting under CISF security on the evening of 3 December.
On 4 December, the High Court accepted the contempt petition and set aside the prohibition imposed by the District Collector during the festival.
Next Hearing Scheduled
During the latest hearing, Additional Advocate General Veera Kathiravan informed the court that a Special Leave Petition challenging the single-judge order regarding the lamp lighting is pending before the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Justice Swaminathan instructed the Chief Secretary and ADGP (Law & Order) to appear via video conference on 17 December, ensuring accountability of the officials involved.
This move highlights the High Court’s strict stance on compliance with its orders and underscores the importance of following judicial directions in matters of religious and public significance.
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