The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday, 2 March 2026, heard the contempt proceedings related to the Thirupparankundram hill Deepam issue, during which Madurai District Collector Praveen Kumar appeared in person and tendered an unconditional apology.
The matter came up before Justice GR Swaminathan. During the hearing, the judge observed that the temple property in question does not belong to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. He indicated that the case could be closed if the District Collector accepts responsibility and facilitates compliance with the court’s directions.
Appearing before the court, the Collector’s side submitted that the administration had no intention of deliberately disobeying the court’s order. It was argued that the prohibitory orders under Section 144 had been imposed purely in view of the prevailing law-and-order situation.
The government further contended that the restrictions were enforced after assessing the possibility of clashes between Hindu and Islamic organisations during the Teppam festival. Officials maintained that all decisions were taken in good faith to prevent any breakdown of public order and without any ulterior motive.
Justice Swaminathan, however, noted that the court’s earlier order did not insist that the Deepam be lit at the exact earlier location but had permitted lighting in an area belonging to Hindus. He then asked whether the District Collector would grant permission for five persons to go up the hill and light the Karthigai Deepam, stating that he would close the case if a clear answer was given.
In response, the government counsel sought time, stating that instructions from higher authorities would be required before furnishing names. The judge questioned the need for such consultation and asked why the court’s order had not yet been implemented.
Subsequently, the state sought two days’ time to file a detailed affidavit specifying the persons who would be deputed and the manner in which the court’s directions would be carried out. The court is expected to pass further orders after examining the government’s response.
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