Over the past few days, entire public attention has been on how the DMK government is hell bent on not permitting Hindus to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon on Thirupparankundram Hill. But now, the same government, despite an order, has not permitted Hindus from lighting the deepam at the Mandu Karuppanasamy Temple in Perumal Kovilpatti village in Dindigul.
Tensions escalated in Perumal Kovilpatti near Chinnalappatti after the Karthigai Deepam festival at the Mandu Karuppanasamy Temple once again became the centre of a dispute between Hindu residents and members of the Christian-majority population in the village.
Petitioners representing the Vanniyar Hindu community alleged that their right to worship at the Mandu Karuppanasamy Temple was being obstructed, despite a clear directive from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court permitting the conduct of the Karthigai Deepam festival.
Court Granted Permission But Festival Still Blocked
On 2 December 2025, Justice GR Swaminathan allowed the lighting of the Deepam at the locations specified in the petition filed by Siththan Balraj of Perumalkovilpatti. The court recorded that the land fell under the relevant survey number and that the Christian community had no legal claim over it, noting that 21 police cases relating to past disputes had been registered in the area.
The judge stated that he was unable to see how the lighting of the Deepam would “affect the rights of Christians,” and directed the police to ensure that the devotees’ rights were protected.
Section 144 Imposed Instead of Implementing Order
However, shortly after the court order as reported in Vikatan, Dindigul District Collector Saravanan imposed Section 144 prohibitory orders exclusively in Perumal Kovilpatti, citing the possibility of communal tension.
This move effectively prevented the Hindu community from lighting the Deepam as permitted by the High Court.
More than 100 police personnel were deployed on Wednesday, and over 200 on Thursday, with fire service vehicles and ambulances kept on standby. The prohibitory order was extended for a second day as the legal proceedings continued.
IMK Leader Arjun Sampath Alleges Discrimination; Says Hindus Have Become a Minority in Their Own Village
Indu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath alleged that because the Christian population forms a majority in the village, Hindu religious rights are being curtailed. He stated that the State government was “hesitating to enforce the High Court verdict” due to “vote-bank considerations.”
திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்டம் பெருமாள் கோயில் பட்டி கிராமத்தில் மண்டு கருப்பணசாமி கோயிலில் கார்த்திகை தீபம் ஏற்றி வழிபட இந்துக்களுக்கு அனுமதி மறுப்பு!
கிறிஸ்தவர்கள் பெரும்பான்மையாக வசிக்கிற காரணத்தினால் இந்துக்கள் தமிழர்கள் சிறுபான்மையாகி விட்டார்கள்!
கிறிஸ்தவர்களின் ஓட்டுக்களை வாங்க… pic.twitter.com/rRSydFQH4b
— Arjun Sampath (@imkarjunsampath) December 4, 2025
Collector and SP Summoned in Contempt Case
As the court’s December 2 order was not implemented, a contempt petition was filed by village resident Siththan Balraj. He had earlier sought reopening of the Mandu Karuppannasamy Temple, permission to conduct daily poojas, and approval to conduct the Karthigai Deepam festival in front of the Kaaliamman and Karuppannasamy temples.
The High Court had stated that the land in question fell under a specific survey number, that 21 police cases had been registered due to disputes between Hindus and Christians, and that the Christian community had no rights over the land mentioned in the petition. The judge added that he did not see how the lighting of the Deepam would affect Christian residents.
On Wednesday, Justice GR Swaminathan directed Collector Saravanan and SP Pradeep to personally appear at 3:15 p.m.
Courtroom Exchange
During the hearing, the judge asked whether the authorities could implement the order and instructed that the prohibitory order be withdrawn.
The Collector said the prohibitory order was imposed based on the ground situation. Government counsel cited concerns of communal tension and said an appeal was being prepared.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that security forces could be deployed if law-and-order concerns existed and accused the State of failing to implement the court’s direction.
Government counsel objected to the petitioner’s remarks and insisted they had a right to argue on behalf of officials.
The judge clarified that the court had the authority to question officials and recorded the Collector’s statement that the prohibitory order could not be withdrawn.
Evening Order
At 6:05 p.m., Justice Swaminathan adjourned the matter, issued notices to the Collector and other officials, and dispensed with their further personal appearance.
Current Status
The Karthigai Deepam has not been allowed in Perumal Kovilpatti despite the earlier High Court order. Section 144 remains in force, extended for a second day. Heavy police presence continues in the village.
(Source: Dinamalar)
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