Madras High Court Directs Temple Management to Light Karthigai Deepam at Deepathoon

Court affirms the temple's right to maintain tradition and protect its property, dismissing objections from Dargha management.

In a landmark judgment, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the management of the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple, Thirupparankundram, to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon (Stone Lamp Pillar), which is situated on one of the peaks of the Thirupparankundram hill. This decision comes after a series of legal confrontations between the temple management and the trustees of the Sikkandar Badhusah Dharga, who opposed the lighting of the lamp at this specific location, citing concerns over the proximity to the Dargha.

Justice G.R. Swaminathan, presiding over the case, emphasized the temple management's legal duty to light the Karthigai Deepam at Deepathoon, alongside other traditional locations, to assert its title over the property and honor Tamil tradition. The judgment highlights the historical significance of the site, with references to ancient Tamil literature and past court decrees that affirm the temple's rights over the hill, except for certain areas specifically granted to the Dargha.

The court dismissed several objections raised by the Dargha management and state authorities, including claims of res judicata and concerns about potential communal tensions. The judgment clarified that the lighting of the lamp at Deepathoon does not infringe upon the rights of the Dargha, which is situated at a safe distance of at least 50 meters from the proposed site for the lamp.

Justice Swaminathan also noted the symbolic importance of lighting the lamp atop the hill, aligning with Tamil traditions and the temple's historical practices. The ruling mandates the temple management to ensure the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at Deepathoon from this year onwards, with instructions for police to facilitate compliance with the court's order.

The judgment further critiqued the temple management for not taking proactive steps to protect its property and traditions, urging them to restore and maintain such practices in line with constitutional values. The decision was welcomed by devotees and legal experts who see it as a reinforcement of cultural heritage and religious rights.

Bottom Line:

Temple Management has a legal duty to light Karthigai Deepam at Deepathoon apart from the usual places, to assert its title and honour Tamil tradition.

Statutory provision(s): Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, Section 63; Civil Procedure Code, 1908; Places of Worship Act

Rama. Ravikumar v. District Collector, Madurai, (Madras)(Madurai Bench) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2816158