What hinders Thirupparankundram lamp lighting order, High Court asks TN govt

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government to clarify the obstacles, if any, in carrying out an earlier court order permitting the lighting of a lamp at the lamp post located on Thirupparankundram hill. Thirupparankundram is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga.

A Division Bench hearing appeals filed by the Madurai District Collector, the Madurai City Police Commissioner and the executive officer of the Thirupparankundram temple questioned why the order had not yet been implemented. The judges observed that the authorities could proceed with implementing the directive even while contempt proceedings related to the issue remain pending.

During the hearing, the Bench remarked that public sentiments should be given due consideration in a democratic system and sought an explanation from the government regarding the delay in executing the order.

Representing the State, government counsel informed the court that discussions were being held with senior officials on the matter and requested additional time to place the government’s position on record.

The court also granted permission to the Sikandar Dargah to file a petition seeking to be included in the proceedings so that its views could be presented before the Bench.

Counsel appearing for petitioner Rama Ravikumar told the court that he expected the government to act on the order permitting the lighting of the lamp. After recording the submissions from all parties, the Bench posted the matter for further hearing on June 22.

The dispute arises from a December 2025 order of a single judge directing authorities to allow the lighting of a lamp at the hilltop lamp post. Alleging non-compliance with that direction, a contempt petition was later filed against senior district and police officials, along with the temple administration.