Attempts to rename hiruparankundram Hillock as "Sikkandar Malai" deemed mischievous : High Court Resolves Disputes
Court affirms Thiruparankundram Hillock's sacred status; restricts animal sacrifice pending civil court decision
In a significant judgment, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court addressed a contentious dispute involving Thiruparankundram Hillock, a site revered by Hindus and containing the Sikkandar Badhusha Dargah. The court was tasked with adjudicating on issues including the renaming of the hillock and the practice of animal sacrifice at the Dargah.
The court decisively ruled that Thiruparankundram Hillock, historically recognized as a sacred Hindu site, cannot be renamed as "Sikkandar Malai," a term proposed by certain factions. Justice R. Vijayakumar, agreeing with Justice S. Srimathy, underscored that historical records and a 1920 civil court decree confirm the hillock's name as Thiruparankundram, stressing that attempts to rename it could incite communal discord.
On the issue of animal sacrifice, the court noted the lack of documented evidence supporting the claim that such practices were customary at the Sikkandar Badhusha Dargah. Justice Srimathy highlighted that until a competent civil court establishes the practice as a longstanding tradition, animal sacrifice is prohibited under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959, due to the hillock's status as a protected monument.
Furthermore, the court allowed the conduct of prayers at Nellithoppu area during Ramzan and Bakrid, provided it does not obstruct Hindu devotees or involve cooking and serving non-vegetarian food, emphasizing the preservation of communal harmony and respect for all religious practices.
This judgment comes after a series of writ petitions filed by various Hindu organizations, highlighting the hillock's significance as a Shiva Linga worship site and expressing concerns over potential communal tensions arising from the renaming attempts and religious practices at the Dargah.
The ruling reiterates the hillock's sacredness and mandates that any religious practices conducted at the site must respect the sentiments of all communities involved, pending further legal adjudication.
Bottom Line:
Naming dispute over Thiruparankundram Hillock - Hillock identified as sacred by Hindus and worshipped as Shiva Linga - Historical records and Civil Court decree confirm its name as Thiruparankundram Hillock - Attempts to rename it as "Sikkandar Malai" deemed mischievous and aimed at creating communal disharmony.
Statutory provision(s): Article 25 of the Constitution of India, Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904, BNSS Section 183.
