Chennai, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has reaffirmed a previous ruling mandating the ceremonial lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on the summit of Thiruparankundram Hill. This decision came as the court dismissed an appeal filed by both the Tamil Nadu government and the temple administration.

The ruling was issued by a Division Bench consisting of Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan, confirming the earlier decision made by single judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan.

The single judge had instructed the temple officials to allow the ceremonial lamp to be lit atop the hill during the annual Karthigai festival.

The initial conflict arose from a petition requesting authorization to light the Karthigai lamp at this significant religious site near Madurai.

The petitioners argued that the lighting of the lamp is a cherished religious custom intertwined with the temple and the Karthigai Deepam festivities, supported by historical evidence.

In opposition, the state government and the temple management contended that there was insufficient evidence to confirm the existence of a lamp pillar on the hilltop. They expressed concerns that permitting the lamp to be lit could potentially lead to disturbances, citing the hill's sensitivity due to the presence of a dargah.

During proceedings, the petitioners presented documents refuting the state government's claims, including references from a 1961 publication by the Thiruparankundram temple Devasthanam, which noted the lighting of the Karthigai lamp on a lamp pillar at the hilltop.

Based on this evidence, Justice G.R. Swaminathan granted the petition, ordering the lamp to be lit.

In response, the temple administration and the state government contested this decision before the Division Bench.

Upon dismissing the appeal, the Division Bench strongly criticized the arguments presented by the state government, stating that the claim regarding potential law and order disruptions was unreasonable.

Additionally, the court rejected the assertion that the lamp pillar belonged to the dargah, noting that such claims lacked credible evidence.

The judges further remarked that the Madurai district administration had complicated the situation unnecessarily instead of supporting a traditional religious practice.

By fully endorsing the single judge's order, the Bench confirmed that the directive to light the lamp on Thiruparankundram Hill remains in effect, ensuring the Karthigai lamp is illuminated annually during the festival, thereby resolving a long-standing and contentious matter.