Madurai, Dec 4 (NationPress) A conflict merging legal and religious aspects regarding the customary lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Vilakkukaal (lamp pedestal) on Thiruparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu has intensified, leading to protests, police cases, and several petitions presented to the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.

The issue is slated for an urgent hearing today.

This controversy commenced on Wednesday with a petition submitted to the High Court’s Madurai Bench, requesting permission to illuminate the Karthigai Deepam at this historic shrine, recognized as one of the oldest temples in the Arupadai Veedu complex dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Justice Swaminathan presided over the petition and granted approval for the ceremonial lighting at the hilltop pedestal. Following this order, temple officials made initial arrangements on the hill that morning.

However, unexpectedly, these arrangements were withdrawn, inciting strong responses from various Hindu organizations, including Hindu Makkal Katchi, Akhil Bharath Hanuman Sena, and South India Forward Bloc.

Members of these groups held protests, demanding strict compliance with the court's directives. Later that evening, around 6 p.m., the customary Karthigai Deepam was lit near the Uchchipillaiyar Temple on the hilltop, following traditional practices. This sparked a protest, leading the Thiruparankundram police to file cases against 15 individuals, including BJP State Youth Wing Secretary S.G. Suryah, for allegedly trying to access the hill unlawfully and causing disturbances.

The charges encompass trespassing, public nuisance, and vandalizing public property, under seven legal sections.

In light of the escalating tensions, the Additional Chief Public Prosecutor filed an appeal with Administrative Judge Jayachandran of the Madurai Bench, seeking to pause and overturn the single-judge ruling that allowed the lighting of the Deepam at the pedestal.

Justice Jayachandran accepted the appeal and scheduled it for today as the first case of the morning.

Simultaneously, the district administration lodged a separate petition. Representing District Collector Praveen Kumar, attorneys requested a halt to the contempt petition initiated by the original petitioner, Rama Ravikumar, and sought the annulment of the single-judge order.

Both petitions – the government’s appeal and the Collector’s request – will be evaluated by Justices Jayachandran and Ramakrishnan at the Madurai Bench. The ruling is anticipated to influence the continuation of this traditional ritual in forthcoming days.