Madurai: In a dramatic hearing, Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench on Thirsday quashed the prohibitory orders imposed in Thiruparankundram and directed the city’s Police Commissioner to ensure that petitioners are allowed to light the Karthigai Deepam on the contested hilltop lamp post (deepathoon) this evening, warning of “serious consequences” for non-compliance.
The order came during the hearing of a contempt petition against the Madurai Collector, the Commissioner of Police, and the Executive Officer of the Tirupparankundram Subramaniaswamy Temple for allegedly failing to implement the court’s previous directive to facilitate the lighting.
Court Rebukes Administration, Quashes Section 144
Justice Swaminathan expressed strong disapproval of the administration’s actions. He pointedly asked the Police Commissioner, Mr. Loganathan, about his duties upon receiving court orders and inquired about the timing of the police’s recommendation to the Collector for promulgating Section 144 of the CrPC. The judge remarked that the Commissioner “probably thinks the Collector is superior in rank to a High Court judge and therefore did not comply with the court order.”
Consequently, Justice Swaminathan quashed the prohibitory orders promulgated by the District Collector in the Thiruparankundram area.
State’s Defense and Court’s Directive
Appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, Additional Advocate General Veera Kathiravan argued that the officials never intended to disobey the court. He explained that the Executive Officer had filed an appeal against the December 3 order, which was yet to be numbered, and that the intent was only to exhaust the legal right to appeal.
Rejecting this justification, Justice Swaminathan proceeded to pass a firm directive. He permitted the writ petitioners to light the ceremonial lamp on the hilltop this evening and ordered the Commissioner of Police to provide necessary police protection for the event. The judge explicitly stated that failure to comply with today’s order would lead to serious consequences.
Parallel Legal Challenge by State Government
In a related development, the Tamil Nadu government has separately challenged the Madras High Court’s original order that allowed devotees to light the lamp on the hilltop lamp post for the Karthigai Deepam festival. This appeal sets the stage for a broader legal battle over the issue.
Justice Swaminathan has adjourned the contempt hearing to 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 6, by which time the court will assess compliance with its evening directive.
The order sets the scene for a high-stakes evening in Thiruparankundram, with the police now legally mandated to facilitate an event they had previously sought to prevent through prohibitory orders, amid ongoing tensions and a separate government appeal pending before the court.