Anti-Hindu DMK govt blocks Hindu devotees from lighting a lamp at Deepathoon pillar despite HC order: Read what happened

hiruparankundram Deepathoon HC order was defied by DMK govt
Police blocked devotees at Thiruparankundram, defied Madras High Court order allowing lighting a lamp at Deepathoon pillar (Image: SS from video shared by K Annamalai)

On 3rd November, a tense confrontation unfolded at Thiruparankundram hill as the Karthigai Deepam was lit at the traditional Uchipillaiyar temple mandapam, defying a clear Madras High Court directive to light it at the historic Deepathoon pillar.

HC order defied despite ultimatum

Justice GR Swaminathan had ordered that the lamp be lit at the Deepathoon by 6 pm. The Court had warned that contempt proceedings would begin at 6:05 pm if authorities failed to comply. The temple management appealed against the order earlier in the day and claimed that it would disrupt communal harmony. However, the judge issued a stern ultimatum and asked, “Can the order be executed or not? Give a direct reply.”

When the officials failed to carry out the order, Justice Swaminathan accepted the contempt plea and directed the temple executive officer and the Madurai police commissioner to appear in person.

State govt blocks petitioner’s ascent to hill

The standoff took place when petitioner Rama Ravikumar, accompanied by CISF personnel, attempted to trek to the hilltop pillar. The Court had directed CISF to accompany the petitioner. State police stopped them after the Madurai district collector imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) while claiming law and order concerns.

The move by the local administration triggered outrage among Hindu groups. They accused the DMK government of blocking devotees despite judicial instructions.

Clashes erupt as activists attempt to reach Deepathoon

On the ground, Hindu Munnani members and other activists gathered in front of the temple. They demanded that the lamp be lit at the court-mandated spot. Some attempted to cross police barricades. It led to jostling and a scuffle in which a policeman was injured. A senior Hindu Munnani leader said that temple authorities had made “no arrangements whatsoever” to comply with the High Court’s order.

BJP criticised state government

Criticising the state government, BJP’s former Tamil Nadu chief, K Annamalai, said, “The DMK Govt’s hostility toward Sanatan Dharma is no longer a matter of interpretation; it is a fact. The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department (which is supposed to serve Hindu devotees) appealed against a court order blocking the lighting of the sacred Karthigai Deepam atop Thiruparankundram Hill. This act strikes at the very heart of our people’s faith. And today, by deploying hundreds of police personnel and physically preventing devotees from performing the religious ritual, the DMK regime has exposed the full extent of its appeasement politics. DMK must answer why Sanatan Dharma is singled out, time and again. Do court orders mean nothing to this govt?”

BJP Youth Wing President Dr SG Suryah warned the DMK government not to test the patience of the devotees and said, “Is attacking peaceful devotees the new #DravidianModel? Lathi-charge on devotees demanding the implementation of Court orders is highly condemnable. The anti-Hindu mindset of the #DMK is exposed yet again. BJYM Tamil Nadu warns the administration- do not test the patience of the devotees.”

A hill of recurring tension

Thiruparankundram is home to the Subramaniya Swamy temple, the Kasi Viswanathan temple and the Sikkander Badusha dargah. It has witnessed growing tension in recent years. Earlier this year, protests intensified after a member of parliament allegedly consumed meat on the hill. The BJP has since called it the “Ayodhya of the South” as it pushes to expand its footprint in Tamil Nadu.

Ownership of the hill remains entangled in historical and legal disputes, with the temple citing a 1920 judgment supporting its claim over most of the hill, while the dargah maintains rights over its structures.

Background: How the dispute over Karthigai Deepam reached the court

The disagreement began when Raman Ravikumar, a Hindu activist, challenged the temple administration’s plan to light the Deepam at the regular spot instead of the Deepathoon. Three others and several impleading petitioners supported his argument. On the other side, one petitioner, the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board, and representatives of the Sikandar Badusha Dargah argued in favour of keeping the ritual at the usual location.

Those opposing the Deepathoon location said the matter could only be settled through a civil court by deciding who owns which parts of the hill. But the High Court rejected this argument and explained that the issue of land ownership had already been settled long ago. 

Written by OpIndia Staff
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