Even as tensions rose at Thirupparankundram over the non-lighting of the court-mandated Deepathoon lamp, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair triggered fresh controversy by posting what critics say was a misleading “fact-check.” Zubair cited footage of the traditional Uchchipillaiyar lamp to claim the ritual had taken place, despite the High Court’s order applying specifically to the Deepathoon where the Deepam remained unlit.
India Today journo Akshita Nandagopal shared a video of the protests that took place following the non-compliance.
Protests break out at the Tiruparankundram hill temple in Madurai as the Deepam that was to be lit in the Deepathoon didn’t happen DESPITE the Madras HC order pic.twitter.com/jBiPtSwLzX
— Akshita Nandagopal (@Akshita_N) December 3, 2025
Zubair Shares Broadcast Screenshot, Misleads Public
Amid reports of non-compliance and subsequent protests, Mohammed Zubair shared a screenshot of a Tamil news channel’s post showing the lamp lit at the Uchchipillaiyar Temple in response to India Today journo’s video of the protests. He implied that claims of non-lighting were “fake news” and that the ritual had indeed taken place.
However, critics pointed out that the screenshot Zubair shared depicted the traditional lamp, not the one mandated by the High Court at the Deepathoon. By omitting this distinction, his post suggested that protesters and commentators falsely claimed the ritual was not performed, when in reality they were referring to the court-directed second Deepam at a different location.
Multiple netizens called out his lie that created the impression that Hindu devotees had instigated chaos despite the lamp being lit when the specific Deepathoon lamp remained unlit in violation of the court order.
Pathetic liar. And for this you collect funds? https://t.co/u49zEGbryP
— ss (@ss301125) December 3, 2025
Look at this clown. He claims himself as fact checker and asks funds for it 😂 https://t.co/BjAkR3o2KB
— Parthiban (@parthispeaks) December 4, 2025
When you want to please your masters, even Marina beach gets shifted to Mumbai!🤣 https://t.co/kFZYqvA4GN
— Vignesh (@cviignesh) December 4, 2025
Court’s Order vs. Social Media Narrative
The Madras High Court had instructed temple authorities to ensure that the Deepam was lit at the Deepathoon and even stated that if authorities failed to comply, the petitioner and ten others could light the lamp under CISF protection. As the directive was not carried out, devotees demanded enforcement, leading to clashes and the imposition of Section 144 in the area.
Zubair’s post obscured this context and reinforced a narrative suggesting that the protesters acted without basis.
Following Zubair’s post, several legal commentators, journalists and devotees accused him of misleading the public by conflating two separate ritual sites and misrepresenting the core issue that triggered the unrest.
They noted that the High Court’s direction was unambiguous:
- Lamp at the usual site (Uchchipillaiyar) → Already a tradition
- Lamp at the Deepathoon → Court-ordered and not performed
By circulating an image of the former, Zubair implied compliance where there was none.
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