Madras HC upholds order to light Karthigai Deepam at Thirupparankundram

Madras High Court Upholds Order for Karthigai Deepam Lighting

A Division Bench of the Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) upheld the order of Justice G.R. Swaminathan on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The order directed the Subramaniya Swamy Temple management in Thirupparankundram to light the Karthigai Deepam at the ‘deepathoon’ (stone pillar for lighting lamp) in addition to the usual places.

The bench, consisting of Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan, criticized the Tamil Nadu government. They stated that citing concerns about law and order and public peace as reasons for not complying with the order was ridiculous and an “imaginary ghost” created by the authorities.

The court noted that the appellants did not provide evidence showing that lighting the ‘deepam’ (lamp) at the newly identified pillar was against Agama Shastra. The court explained that religious practices have reasons, and the purpose of lighting the deepam at an elevated place is for devotees to see and worship.

The judges ordered the temple management to light the deepam at the ‘deepathoon’ and stated that the district administration should supervise the event. They added that since it is a protected monument, the Archaeological Survey of India could impose conditions.

The judges began hearing the appeals against the Single Bench order on December 12, 2025. The Tamil Nadu government claimed there was no evidence to establish that the pillar was a ‘deepathoon’ despite several claims made regarding its nature.

Senior counsels representing the original petitioners argued that the government was disputing the claim to complicate the matter. They also noted that the appellants had not provided materials to prove that it was not a deepathoon. After hearing all arguments, the judges reserved judgment on December 18, 2025.