Madras HC orders petitioners to light Karthigai Deepam at stone pillar today

Quashing the prohibitory orders clamped by the Madurai district administration under Section 144 of the CrPC (163 BNSS), Justice GR Swaminathan has ordered the right-wing petitioners to light the Karthigai deepam at the stone pillar (deepathoon) atop the Thiruparankundram hillock close to the Sikkandar Dargah and above the famed Murugan temple below on Thursday evening.

Observing that the prohibitory orders were clamped only to circumvent the implementation of the court order, the Judge also directed the Madurai Commissioner of Police to provide protection to the devotees lighting the deepam at the lower hill top of Thiruparankundram hills.

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This followed a Division Bench dismissing the state government’s plea challenging yesterday’s order passed on a contempt petition. When the contempt petition came up for hearing, Justice Swaminathan took a strict view of the absence of officers and directed them to appear through video-conferencing. Commissioner of Police J Loganathan submitted that he had the highest regard for the court order and devotees were not permitted only in view of the prohibitory order passed by the District Collector.

“I have specifically mandated the Commissioner to accord police protection so that order is complied with in letter and spirit,” the Judge said and commented that the Commissioner might think he is superior in ranking than a High Court Judge. The matter has been posted for tomorrow morning to ensure compliance.