Deepam Row: SC Seeks Response on Madras HC Order, Hindu Groups Cry Foul

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The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre and Tamil Nadu government on a petition challenging a Madras High Court order that allowed the lighting of a lamp on the Thirupparankundram hill, a site of great religious significance to Hindus, subject to clearance from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and police. Petitioner Rama Ravikumar, who initially sought to light the Karthigai Deepam on the hill, claims that the high court's order is an 'unlawful' dilution of the temple's proprietary rights and an 'impermissible judicial intrusion' into an essential religious practice. Ravikumar argues that the high court has exceeded its jurisdiction by imposing fresh substantive restrictions, despite the final decree conclusively recognising the temple's ownership of the hill. The petitioner further alleges that the high court's order is discriminatory, as devotees of other faiths are allowed access to nearby areas, but Hindu worship at the hilltop is subject to strict administrative controls. The Hindu Dharma Parishad, an organisation supporting Ravikumar's plea, claims that the high court's order is a 'hostile' infringement on the temple's rights and an attempt to control an essential religious practice. The Madras High Court had earlier ruled that the spot on which the stone pillar is located belongs to the Sri Subramania Swamy Temple, but imposed conditions, including the need for ASI clearance and police permission, to preserve the monument. The Supreme Court's notice seeks a response from the Centre, Tamil Nadu government, and other parties on the petition, which may have significant implications for the future of the Thirupparankundram temple and the rights of Hindu devotees.