Madurai Temple Lamp Row: Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench upheld the order given by Justice G R Swaminathan on the Deepathoon at Tirupparankundram Temple.
The Bench rejected apprehensions of the Tamil Nadu government that the Hindu ritual could possibly disturb communal harmony and public peace.
What is the latest Madurai Temple Lamp Row verdict?
The latest Madurai Temple Lamp Row verdict was pronounced by a division bench of Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan. The bench disposed of a bath of appeals that were filed by the Executive Officer of the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, the Madurai City Police Commissioner and the Madurai District Collector.
The bench had previously reserved its judgment for December 18 after detailed arguments from all involved parties were heard. The appeals arose after Justice Swaminathan passed an order allowing a petition seeking directions for lighting the ceremonial lamp at the hillstop stone pillar on the occasion of Karthigai Deepam.
The state government however refused to implement the order citing possible law-and-order concerns.
The court in its ruling came down strongly on the state’s stand and the other appellants. It was observed by the bench that it was “ridiculous and hard to believe” that the “mighty state” of Tamil Nadu could possibly claim that a lamp’s lighting would lead to a disturbance of public peace. The court added that such a position would not be accepted. The court went on to criticize a “mischievous submission” that the stone pillar belonged to the dargah.
The court also said the practice of deepam lighting at an elevated place is well recognized. The Judges added the unfounded fears of public disharmony and peace disturbances were only meant to create mistrust between communities.
The court said the Madurai District Collector has been directed to supervise the entire event.
What was DMK’s Reaction?
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s party, DMK, said it would thoroughly analyze the verdict before making any decision on the next course of action.
Tamilisai Soundararajan, the former Telangana Governor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, welcomed the court’s decision. He added Hindu sentiments have been respected by the Madurai bench.
