On Friday (9th January), the Madras High Court rapped the Madurai administration for failing to file a response in the contempt of court case registered against it.
The development comes weeks after the authorities failed to implement the order of the Madras High Court, allowing the lighting of Karthigai Deepam on the stone pillar located at the Thirupparankundram hill.
While hearing the case, Justice GR Swaminathan pulled up the District Collector and the Deputy Commissioner of Police for disobeying the court’s primary order, passing a prohibitory order to prevent the lighting of the lamp, and then defying the directives of the court after the prohibitory order was quashed.
#Thiruparankundram case: Madras HC Justice GR Swaminathan expresses displeasure over Madurai authorities failure to file response till date to contempt of court case over failure to light lamp.
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) January 9, 2026
Judge says he will post the matter on Monday for framing of contempt charges. pic.twitter.com/QTGzUXzn5A
The Judge posted the matter on Monday (12th January) for framing of contempt charges after the Madurai administration failed to file a written response in the contempt of court case despite being provided 4 weeks’ time.
Court records that such a complaint may be filed.
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) January 9, 2026
Court adds: Once such a complaint is lodged, jurisdictional police is expected to act in the matter.#Thiruparankundram #MadrasHighCourt
During the hearing of the case, Justice GR Swaminathan asked the temple management to file a criminal tresspass case against the Dargah for tying a flag on temple property.
“That is temple property. How did you permit tying of flag by dargah?” he asked, urging the temple management to file a complaint.
The Court further emphasised, “Once such a complaint is lodged, jurisdictional police is expected to act in the matter.”
