Madurai Bench remarks on compliance
A Division Bench of the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench observed that there should be no “ego” or stubbornness in executing court orders while hearing appeals linked to the Thiruparankundram hill deepa thoon (torch pillar) dispute.
Background of the dispute
The matter traces back to a petition filed by Ezhumalai-based Ramaravikumar and others. On December 1, 2025, a single judge had directed that Karthigai Deepam be lit at the Thiruparankundram hill torch pillar as well, apart from the usual locations. In a subsequent contempt proceeding over non-compliance, the same judge on December 4 directed that police provide protection for lighting the torch on behalf of the petitioner.
Fresh directions and appeals
On March 4, the single judge suggested permitting a court-appointed five-member team to go to the hilltop where the torch pillar is located and perform identification worship for 15 minutes, warning that failure to respond could lead to charges and personal appearance of senior police officials. The Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and the temple’s present executive officer challenged this, while an earlier appeal by the Collector and Police Commissioner against the December 4 order was already pending.
What the Division Bench ordered
After hearing the government side and the petitioner’s counsel, the Division Bench granted an interim stay on the single judge’s direction requiring police protection for lighting the torch on behalf of the petitioner. The Bench also admitted the appeal against the order relating to allowing the five-member team’s worship and posted the matter for further hearing on April 8.
