In an extraordinary and unprecedented judicial dressing-down, the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench has exposed the DMK government’s blatant contempt for the rule of law, constitutional propriety, and Hindu religious rights. Justice G.R. Swaminathan’s order reads like a charge-sheet against a State administration that deliberately chose confrontation over compliance, and political arrogance over constitutional duty.

The case revolved around a simple issue: allowing devotees to light the sacred Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon of Thirupparankundram Hill. On 01.12.2025, the Court had clearly and unequivocally allowed devotees to perform the ritual. Yet the DMK administration, instead of complying, went into sabotage mode.

Despite receiving a copy of the order “immediately” and despite the event being scheduled for 6 PM on 03.12.2025, the State machinery did nothing to honour the Court’s direction. As the judge observed, the authorities “remained inactive,” thereby defying the order of this Court

When devotees approached the Court stating the order was about to be breached, Justice Swaminathan noted that “it was obvious that contempt had been committed.” He reminded the DMK administration that neither rank nor position places anyone above the law. Citing the Supreme Court’s recent judgment, he reiterated that “Disobedience… attacks the very foundation of the rule of law… no one, howsoever high they may be, may think they are above the law.”

DMK Govt Tried To Sabotage Court Order 

After the Court permitted the petitioners to climb the hill with CISF protection to light the Deepam, what happened next is nothing short of a constitutional horror story.

When the devotees and CISF team reached the foothill, Madurai Police Commissioner J. Loganathan, IPS physically blocked them — openly declaring that he “was not in a position to respect the order of this Court” because of a prohibitory order issued by the District Collector a day earlier under Section 163 of BNSS.

This was not law enforcement.
This was law sabotage.

The Court minced no words: it declared that the Collector’s order was passed “only to nullify the directions given by this Court” and to give the police “a convenient reason to defy” the judicial mandate.

The judge invoked Article 261 of the Constitution, which mandates nationwide enforceability of judicial orders, making the police duty-bound to assist — not obstruct. “They cannot defy for any reason whatsoever,” the order stresses.

“Sound The Death Knell Of Democracy”

In a damning indictment, even the Division Bench dismissed the appeal filed by the Collector and Commissioner, calling it an attempt “with ulterior motive to preempt contempt action.”

Justice Swaminathan’s words reflect the gravity of the situation created by the DMK government:

The State administration “has decided to cock a snook at this Court’s order”

Defying the judiciary would “sound the death knell of democracy itself”

Officers cannot choose to obey or ignore court orders; doing so would “lead to anarchy” and must be “nipped in the bud”

In a striking historical reference, the judge compared the situation to the U.S. civil rights era, noting how President Eisenhower deployed the military when federal police refused to enforce desegregation orders — urging the Madurai Police Commissioner to “take inspiration.”

Court Quashes DMK Govt’s Prohibitory Order

Calling the District Magistrate’s order unconstitutional, impermissible, and void, the Court quashed it outright.

Then, in a direct command issued in the presence of the Police Commissioner over video conference, the Court ordered the police to give “fullest protection” to the devotees to climb the hill and light the Deepam — warning that “harsh consequences will ensue” if the DMK administration again disobeys.

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The Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench on Thursday, 4 December 2025, took serious exception to the conduct of the Thirupparankundram temple’s Executive Officer and the Madurai District Collector after they failed to appear before the court during the hearing of a contempt petition related to the non-lighting of the court-mandated Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon atop Thirupparankundram Hill.

The matter was heard by Justice GR Swaminathan, who earlier had permitted the petitioner and ten others to light the Deepam under CISF protection after the temple administration failed to comply with his December 1 order.

“You were blessed by the order”

At the start of the hearing, Senior Advocate N. Jothi submitted, “We’ve suffered the court’s order.”

Justice Swaminathan replied in lighter vein: “You did not suffer with the order. You were blessed by the order.”

Court Warns of Harsher Order if Officials Fail to Appear

Expressing displeasure over the absence of the Executive Officer and District Collector, the judge said: “I’ll reassemble at 5:30 p.m. If they do not appear (through VC) by then, I’ll pass a harsher order.”

When the bench reconvened, Madurai City Police Commissioner appeared via video conference.

Court Confronts Police Commissioner

Justice Swaminathan questioned him directly:
“I’m posing a direct question to you. What do you do when there’s a court order?”

The Commissioner responded that he had the “highest regard for the court” but explained that a huge crowd, destruction of barricades, and a resulting law-and-order situation had necessitated the promulgation of a Section 144 order.

The judge then inquired about the exact time at which the Commissioner wrote to the District Collector seeking imposition of Section 144.

State Government’s Arguments

Additional Advocate General (AAG) Veera Kathiravan denied deliberate disobedience: “We never intended to disobey the court order. We know the order has come, but the LPA is permitted.”

AAG J. Ravindran urged the court to wait for the writ appeal scheduled for the next day: “At this stage, I don’t want to go into the merits. My only request is that tomorrow writ appeal is coming. Let us wait for the appeal.”

Court Recaps Events & Criticises Police Action

In delivering the order, Justice Swaminathan recalled that his direction from the previous day had allowed the petitioner and CISF to go ahead with the lighting of the Deepam. However:

The Commissioner restrained the petitioners and CISF from proceeding.

He informed them that due to Section 144, he was “not in a position to respect the order of court.”

CISF personnel then returned, and the petitioners were prevented from lighting the Deepam despite explicit permission.

Division Bench Appeal Dismissed

The court recorded that the State’s appeal to the Division Bench had been dismissed earlier in the day through a detailed order, meaning the single judge’s directions continued to remain operative.

Court Quashes Section 144 Order

Justice Swaminathan observed that the Commissioner appeared to believe he ranked above the High Court, remarking: “The Commissioner may think he is superior in ranking than HC judge.”

He added that the Commissioner attempted to justify his actions by citing the District Magistrate’s Section 144 order.

The judge reiterated that “constitutional court’s order can be set aside only in manner known to law. As long as it’s standing, it has to be obeyed by all officers.”

Finding that the Section 144 order had been invoked only to obstruct implementation of the High Court’s directions, the judge quashed it.

Court Directs Police to Ensure Lamp Is Lit Today

Justice Swaminathan concluded by directing the Madurai City Police Commissioner to:

• Provide police protection,
• Allow devotees to light the Deepam at the Deepathoon today,
• And warned that strict action would follow if the order was not complied with.

The hearing was then brought to a close.

Source: LiveLaw

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With only eight days left for the enumeration phase of Tamil Nadu’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to conclude, as many as 84.91 lakh voter forms have been classified as “uncollectable”, raising concerns that these names may be removed from the draft electoral rolls scheduled for publication on 16 December 2025.

According to data accessed on Wednesday morning, the uncollectable category currently accounts for 13.24% of the State’s 6.41 crore electorate.

Breakdown of the 84.91 Lakh Uncollectable Forms

• Permanently Shifted: 44.22 lakh
• Deceased: 26.18 lakh (as per TNIE report)
• Absent: 10.73 lakh
• Already Enrolled (Duplicate): 3.5 lakh

These figures remain provisional and are subject to revision.

CEO Clarifies Process Still Ongoing

In a statement on Wednesday evening, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office stressed that the SIR exercise is still underway and that the list of uncollectable entries is being shared with Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties for scrutiny before preparing the draft rolls. The final classification of uncollectable forms will be completed only after December 11, the last day of the enumeration phase.

Officials reiterated that deletions would be finalised only after due verification and that any eligible voter omitted from the draft roll may file claims or objections from December 16 to mid-January 2026.

Wide Variation Across Districts

SIR data revealed significant district-level variations:

• Ariyalur recorded the lowest uncollectable share: 4.3% (23,000 of 5.31 lakh voters)
• Chennai recorded the highest: 31.78% (12.73 lakh of 40.05 lakh voters) — nearly one in three electors
• Chengalpattu followed with 20.7% uncollectable forms (5.78 lakh)

Officials attributed Chennai’s high “Permanently Shifted” numbers to rapid urbanisation and residential mobility.

Digitisation Figures: Clarifying Confusion

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had earlier stated that Tamil Nadu achieved:

• 99.45% distribution of SIR forms (6.38 crore)
• 94.32% digitisation of forms (6.05 crore)

However, a detailed internal report accessed Wednesday showed that actual digitisation of returned forms stands at 82.57% (5.29 crore), excluding uncollectable forms. When uncollectable forms are included in the EC’s category of “digitised”, the percentage becomes 95.81%.

Officials confirmed that the 82.57% figure represents voters whose forms were returned and digitised, meaning their names are expected to appear on the draft rolls unless removed during AERO/ERO verification — a scenario described as “highly unlikely.”

Statewide Picture: 59 Lakh Names Set for Deletion, 24 Lakh Deceased Identified

Parallel ECI data as of 29 November 2025 (10 p.m.) showed that:

• 58.91 lakh voters did not return their enumeration forms (9.19% of total electorate)
• 23.83 lakh among them were identified as deceased

Overall, around 59 lakh names may be deleted for reasons including death, untraceability, duplicate entry, and permanent shifting.

At a recent press briefing, Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik confirmed that deletions would be carried out under five categories:

1. Death
2. Untraceable
3. Permanently Shifted
4. Duplicate Entry
5. Other Reasons

Constituency-Level Impact: Chennai Worst Hit

Chennai’s 16 constituencies could see 5.72 lakh voters removed from the rolls:

• 1.29 lakh deceased
• 4.12 lakh permanently shifted
• 10,614 duplicate entries
• Other major districts with high unreturned forms:
• Chengalpattu: 4.39 lakh
• Tiruvallur: 3.36 lakh

Highest Impact Constituencies

Pallavaram (Chengalpattu): 1.43 lakh of 4.44 lakh voters failed to submit forms

Chepauk–Tiruvallikeni (DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s constituency): 72,950 unsubmitted forms

SIR Drive: 68,470 BLOs on the Ground

The Special Intensive Revision began on November 4 with a workforce of 68,470 Booth Level Officers conducting door-to-door enumeration. The draft electoral roll will be released on December 16, after which citizens may raise objections or seek restoration until 15 January 2026.

Officials emphasised that the current numbers would continue to change until the enumeration deadline, and the final voter count will only be known once the draft roll is published.

(Source: DTNext & The New Indian Express)

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In a scathing rebuke that exposes the DMK government’s blatant disregard for judicial authority and Hindu traditions, the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed the state’s desperate appeal against a single judge’s order permitting devotees to light the sacred Karthigai Deepam at the iconic stone pillar atop Thirupparankundram hill. The division bench’s verdict not only upholds the age-old ritual but also lays bare the Stalin administration’s incompetence in upholding constitutional duties, fueling what critics are calling a manufactured communal crisis.

The controversy, simmering for days in the shadow of the revered Subramaniya Swamy Temple, erupted into chaos as devotees, emboldened by the court’s directive, clashed with heavily barricaded police forces. Eyewitnesses reported stones being hurled, barricades torn down, and scuffles breaking out near the hillock, where a centuries-old Sufi dargah stands adjacent to the contested lamp post.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 were clamped down, effectively turning the sacred site into a fortress of state overreach, preventing even token worship. This aggressive posturing by the DMK-led police—deploying lathis and additional forces—has only escalated tensions, transforming a simple act of devotion into a flashpoint for unrest.

What began as a humble petition seeking permission for the Karthigai Deepam ritual—a beacon of light symbolizing the triumph of good over evil in Tamil Hindu lore—has been hijacked by the DMK’s appeasement playbook. The single judge’s order on December 3 was crystal clear: allow a small group of devotees to light the lamp under the protection of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), ensuring no disruption to the fragile communal harmony.

Yet, in a brazen act of defiance, the Tamil Nadu government rushed to the division bench, arguing that the ritual would “provoke” tensions near the dargah. The bench, comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and C. Kumarappan, saw through the charade, dismissing the appeal with a withering observation: “The situation has arisen in which the State Police [are] unable to carry the constitutional mandate.”

State “Consciously Disregarded” Order, Failed In Constitutional Duty

The bench recorded that despite a clear order on 01.12.2025 directing the temple management to light the Deepam at the designated stone pillar, the authorities took no steps to comply, forcing the petitioner to rush with an urgent contempt plea.

Shockingly, even at 5 PM on Karthigai Deepam day, when the ritual had to be performed by 6 PM, no arrangements had been made by the HR&CE authorities. The Executive Officer of the temple flatly told the petitioner that the court order would not be followed.

The judges observed:

“The State… has miserably failed by not protecting the fundamental rights of the Hindus and by deliberate disobedience of the judicial order.”

DMK Govt Attempted To Block Deepam Using Section 163 Of BNSS (Old Section – 144 CRPC)

Perhaps the most damning part of the judgment is the exposure of a clumsy last-minute attempt by the District Collector to sabotage the ritual by imposing a prohibitory order — conveniently timed at exactly 6:00 PM, the Deepam lighting time.

The court examined the file and noted shocking discrepancies:

The Collector passed a Section 163 BNSS order just before the ritual.

The file contained loose sheets, raising suspicion of manipulation.

The order specifically exempted religious ceremonies, making its application to Deepam blatantly illegal.

The judges remarked:

“It is very obvious that the Section 163 order is either passed prior to the judicial order or the records are manipulated after this Court called for the file.”

State Police Refused Protection, High Court Had To Deploy CISF

In an unprecedented move, the High Court had to request CISF personnel to escort the petitioner because the State Police simply refused to follow the Court’s directions.

The bench justified CISF intervention, stating:

“If the State machinery disobeys the Court order and refuses protection, the Court cannot stand helpless.”

This is a damning indictment of the DMK government’s law enforcement apparatus — the Court effectively ruled that the Tamil Nadu Police failed in their constitutional duty and obstructed a lawful Hindu religious practice.

DMK Govt’s Appeal Dismissed As A “Preemptive Move” To Escape Contempt

The judges made an extraordinary observation:

The appeal itself was filed merely as a “pre-emptive step” to escape contempt action.

The bench repeatedly stressed that:

The Government had no intention to obey the order.

The officials’ conduct was willfully defiant.

The administration acted at the behest of “vested interests” opposing the Hindu ritual.

A Humiliating Moment For DMK’s HR&CE Policies

This judgment is a massive embarrassment for the DMK’s HR&CE Department, exposing: state-sponsored obstruction of Hindu rituals, manipulation of records, use of law-and-order tools to suppress religious rights and open defiance of High Court orders

The bench finally delivered a resounding blow:

“This appeal, filed with ulterior motive to preempt contempt action, is liable to be dismissed.”

Court Upholds Hindu Rights, Slams DMK’s Abuse Of Power

The High Court has made it abundantly clear:

The right to light the Karthigai Deepam at Deepa Thoon is protected under Articles 25 & 26.

The DMK administration acted against constitutional duties.

The Collector and Police Commissioner engaged in deliberate obstruction, not legitimate governance.

This is not merely a legal setback — it is a historic judicial reprimand exposing how far the DMK government was willing to go to prevent Hindus from observing a centuries-old tradition.

The fallout from this fiasco is already rippling across Madurai. With Karthigai Deepam just days away, the hilltop—once a symbol of shared reverence—now bristles with checkpoints and resentment. Reports of injuries among devotees and viral videos of police excesses have ignited social media outrage, with hashtags like #DMKFails and #SaveThirupparankundram trending nationwide.

As the court mandates the lamp be lit under heavy security, one can’t help but question: How low will the DMK stoop to dim the flames of tradition?This episode is a clarion call for accountability. Governor R.N. Ravi must intervene to ensure compliance, and the Election Commission should scrutinize the DMK’s communal maneuvering ahead of future polls. Tamil Nadu’s Hindus deserve better than a government that treats their faith as a political football. Until the Deepam flickers atop the hill tonight, the shadow of Stalin’s shortsightedness will linger—a dark blot on Dravidian “progressivism.”

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The post “Deliberate Disobediance, Manipulated Records, State Has Miserably Failed To Protect Hindu Rights”: Madras High Court Rips Apart DMK Govt’s Abuse Of Power In Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam Case appeared first on The Commune.

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The Dravidianist ecosystem, which includes the Congress supporters, members and supporters of the DMK, has been trolling and abusing Hindus for wanting to exercise their right to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon in Thirupparankundram Hill.

This opposition comes despite having a valid court order, despite having a no objection from the Muslim community – it seems as if only the Dravidianist ecosystem is hell bent on stopping Hindus from carrying out their centuries old rituals.

In this backdrop, a Tamil Nadu Congress leader Dhivya Marunthiah who is also the State Vice-President, OBC of the party, shared a video of Islamist terrorist Ahmed Ali, widely known as Palani Baba, in response to a post by Vedic scholar Dushyanth Sridhar, who had appeared on a News18 debate panel discussing the Karthigai Deepam dispute at Thirupparankundram Hill.

Dushyanth Sridhar’s Remarks on the Deepam Dispute

During the News18 panel, Sridhar criticised the state’s handling of the ongoing Karthigai Deepam controversy, calling the situation one of “injustice.” He highlighted five key points:

Thirupparankundram’s Antiquity: Sridhar described the hill temple as one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest cave temples, revered as a Shiva shrine in the 6th century and later celebrated as a major Murugan sthala in Tamil hymns, including Thiruppugazh.

Historical Architecture: He noted that the temple’s structure is carved into the granite hill, featuring architectural contributions from the Pandyas, Cholas and Nayaks, indicating continuous Hindu patronage.

Madurai Sultanate Period: Sridhar referred to the 14th-century Madurai Sultanate, calling its rulers tyrannical, and questioned how an Islamic structure associated with the last Sultan emerged atop the temple centuries later.

Festival Rights and HC Orders: He explained that the Thirukkarthigai festival historically involves lighting a lamp at the hill’s Deepathoon. After devotees sought relief from the Madras High Court, the court ruled that Hindus had the right to light the lamp. He criticised the HR&CE Department for citing “law and order concerns” to prevent implementation.

Police Blockade: Sridhar said devotees were stopped despite a High Court mandate, arguing that Hindus were unable to assert their traditional rights even after legal affirmation.

INJUSTICE is the word. Context below: (with @CNNnews18)

(1) Thiruparamkudram is an ancient cave temple in Madurai (TN). It has been revered as a Siva temple in the 6th century by Tamizh saints. The same temple houses Skanda/Kartikeya revered as Muruga which has been sung in all… pic.twitter.com/klZy4NfTBi

— Dushyanth Sridhar (@dushyanthsridar) December 3, 2025

Marunthiah reposted Sridhar’s detailed commentary on the historical and religious significance of the Thirupparankundram temple complex, quoting it along with a video in which Palani Baba is seen issuing threats to BJP and Hindu Munnani supporters. The resurfaced clip shows Ali saying: “Today you say you are BJP, Hindu Munnani… I am giving you a final warning. Stay at home and cultivate humanity with love and affection. If you become the agent of a north Indian dog,”

Very conveniently, she did not share the last few seconds of that clip. In that portion, he says, “I tell you once again, I will become an extremist.”

Here is the full clipping.

Palani Baba, who has long been associated with extremist activities in Tamil Nadu, has previously faced allegations relating to radical Islamist mobilisation and has been cited in multiple police dossiers.

Who Is Palani Baba?

Palani Baba, whose real name was Ahmed Ali, was a notorious figure in Tamil Nadu’s history of Islamic terrorism. Born in Pudhu Ayakkudi, a village near Palani in Dindigul district, Ahmed Ali was raised by his maternal uncle after the death of his parents. He became involved in nefarious activities during his college years, causing embarrassment to his family. Ali went on to establish the All India Jihad Committee (AIJC) in 1986, an Islamist fundamentalist organization, and was known for his connections to groups like the All India Milli Council, which was reportedly linked to Saudi-Wahhabi ideologies.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Tamil Nadu witnessed the rise of Islamic fundamentalist groups, and Ahmed Ali capitalized on this wave. During MGR’s rule, he became known for his controversial activities, which drew the attention of the DMK under Karunanidhi. The DMK reportedly supported him to oppose MGR, even though Ali’s rhetoric and actions were divisive, including his claims of ties with the LTTE. By 1990, Ali had garnered significant support from the DMK. It is to be noted that Ahmed Ali addressed MGR in singular in whichever public meeting he spoke. Dressed like Yasar Arafat, Ahmed Ali made vitriolic speeches against Hindus and was instrumental in fomenting violence against the Hindus especially in the Coimbatore region.

Ahmed Ali was involved in various killings of Hindus in Coimbatore. In 1990, Israeli intelligence arrested a Palestinian student who was studying in south India. During interrogation it was revealed that there was a possible presence of internationally linked Islamic terror cells in Coimbatore. However, the Israeli warnings were rejected by local police and intelligence. Ali’s involvement in violent acts against Hindus escalated during the early 1990s, and his influence grew further with the formation of Al Ummah, a jihadist group connected to organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s ISI. The group was implicated in several bombings, most notably the 1998 Coimbatore bombings, which targeted prominent political figures, including LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.

Despite his ties to DMK and other political entities like the PMK, Ali’s violent actions eventually led to a fallout with his former supporters. He was assassinated on 28 January 1997, outside his home by a group of six people, allegedly in retaliation for his anti-Hindu rhetoric and the killing of two Hindu activists earlier that year. Though his death was surrounded by controversy, including some unsubstantiated claims about personal disputes, his legacy remains one of spreading Islamic extremism in Tamil Nadu during a turbulent time.

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The post “I’m Giving You A Final Warning, Stay Inside Your House Or Else I’ll Turn Into An Extremist”: Congress Leader Shares Islamist Ahmed Ali (Palani Baba)’s Clip To Threaten Vedic Scholar Dushyanth Sridhar appeared first on The Commune.

Tensions escalated ahead of the Karthigai Deepam festival after members of the BJP’s youth wing alleged that DMK workers had printed and distributed fake VIP passes bearing government seals to gain unauthorised access to restricted zones. The incident occurred as lakhs of devotees converged on the temple town to witness the annual lighting of the Maha Deepam atop Annamalai Hill.

The counterfeit passes were allegedly created for DMK booth agents and party workers. BJP members stated that they intercepted individuals involved in printing and distributing the fake IDs and handed them over to authorities.

Video shared by BJP State Youth Wing President SG Suryah shows several passes purportedly marked with the temple administration and Superintendent of Police office names. In the footage, individuals are questioned about their involvement in printing the IDs, with one admitting to working on ID card preparation inside a temple-administration–linked office.

BJP members alleged that the exposed operation demonstrated misuse of administrative access. “These are passes meant to be used in the office. They were being printed and handed out neatly,” a party worker is heard saying in one of the videos. They also alleged that a temple administration staff member was assisting the printing, claiming that he had been called in by the Joint Commissioner of the HR&CE Department.

Police Action and Political Allegations

Tiruvannamalai police have arrested three individuals in connection with the fake-pass incident. BJP functionaries, however, described the police response as inadequate and alleged that officials were hesitant to pursue action against ruling-party members.

They also questioned why the Joint Commissioner of the HR&CE Department had not met them despite repeated petitions. “Why is the JC refusing to meet us? Whom are they trying to protect?” a BJP youth wing representative asked.

Temple authorities and the HR&CE Department have not yet issued an official clarification on the incident or the role of any staff members named by BJP representatives. Police are continuing their inquiry into the origin of the counterfeit passes and the individuals involved.

ஆன்மீக பூமியான திருவண்ணாமலையில், கார்த்திகை தீபத்தைக் காண லட்சக்கணக்கான பக்தர்கள் தவம் கிடக்கையில், திமுகவினர் செய்துள்ள செயல் அதிர்ச்சியை அளிக்கிறது. அரசு முத்திரையுடன் கூடிய ‘Fake VIP PASS’களை அச்சடித்து, அவற்றை தங்கள் கட்சி பூத் ஏஜெண்டுகளுக்கும் (BLA), கட்சிகாரர்களுக்கும்… pic.twitter.com/pVvqLWgN4P

— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) December 2, 2025

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Twelve visitors were left stranded about 30 feet above ground on Tuesday after a roller coaster at the newly inaugurated Wonderla amusement park in Thiruporur malfunctioned following a power disruption. Rescue personnel at the park manually climbed the structure and safely brought the riders down, officials said. Videos recorded by onlookers quickly went viral on social media.

The park, located 56 km south of Chennai, was inaugurated by Chief Minister MK Stalin on 1 December 2025. Spread across 63 acres, Wonderla’s Chennai facility features 43 attractions, including what it describes as India’s first B&M inverted roller coaster.

Following the incident, Wonderla chairman and managing director Arun Chittilappilly released a video apologising for the inconvenience caused to visitors. He said the technical issue had been resolved and that all rides, including the roller coaster, had resumed operation.

Wonderla’s Expansion into Tamil Nadu

Wonderla, one of India’s leading amusement-park operators with existing parks in Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, has entered Tamil Nadu with its newest project on Old Mahabalipuram Road near Illalur in Chengalpattu district. Built over approximately 65 acres, the project is estimated to have cost around ₹510 crore.

The Chennai park includes a major highlight: a roller coaster designed by internationally renowned manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M). Park officials say it is now India’s largest roller coaster and comparable to installations in global cities such as London and New York.

Attractions and Features

The Chennai Wonderla park is expected to house a total of 42 rides, including 16 water-based attractions. A dedicated children’s zone will feature 10 additional rides, taking the total number of rides on the premises to 52. Notable attractions include Mission Interstellar, Roller Coaster, Y-Stream, Wonderla Bump, and Pirate Ship.

After months of speculation, the company confirmed that the Chennai Wonderla Theme Park would open to the public on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Ticket pricing details are expected to be announced shortly.

The Chengalpattu district administration has stated that all construction and safety-related work for the park has been completed.

(Source: Times of India)

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Madurai district police have registered a case against 15 individuals, including members of the Hindu Munnani and BJP functionaries, following clashes on Thirupparankundram hill over the lighting of the Karthigai Maha Deepam. The incident unfolded amid a series of rapid legal, administrative and on-ground developments triggered by a Madras High Court order permitting hilltop lighting under CISF protection.

Court Order Sparks Protests

The issue began after a single judge of the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench, Justice GR Swaminathan, granted permission to light the ceremonial lamp on a specific lamppost at the hilltop near the Sikandar Dargah, apart from the long-standing practice of lighting the Deepam at the Uchipillayar Temple.

Although the temple administration initially prepared arrangements at the hilltop, these were cancelled yesterday morning. The reversal sparked protests from several groups including the Indu Makkal Katchi, Akhil Bharat Hanuman Sena and the South India Forward Bloc.

As the 6 PM deadline set by the court approached, the lamp was lit only at the traditional Uchipillayar Temple site. In response, Justice Swaminathan issued an extraordinary directive allowing the petitioner and ten others to proceed with CISF escort to the designated lamppost at the hilltop to light the Deepam.

Tension Escalates, Section 144 Imposed

Following the order, several Hindu organisations and BJP members assembled, demanding enforcement of the hilltop lighting directive. When protesters attempted to break through police barricades to climb the hill, clashes erupted. Two policemen sustained injuries, prompting a rapid escalation of security measures.

Hindu outfits attempted to barge past the police barricades to go atop of the Thirupparankundram hill. A police personnel got injured during the tussle. @NewIndianXpress @xpresstn pic.twitter.com/72I980z9Mq

— Selwin Thanaraj M (@MSThanaraj) December 3, 2025

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

District Collector Praveen Kumar subsequently imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC across the area. A number of protesters who violated the ban were detained. Before dispersing, some demonstrators lit a fire along the hill path and performed worship rituals on the ground.

FIR Against 15 Individuals

Thirupparankundram police later registered a case against 15 people, including BJP state youth wing secretary SG Suryah. The charges include trespassing, disturbing public peace, and damaging public property; seven IPC sections in total.

Parallel Legal Battles in High Court

Meanwhile, the legal contest intensified at the Madurai Bench of the High Court.

The Additional Chief Public Prosecutor has filed an appeal before the Administrative Judge seeking to quash Justice Swaminathan’s order. The appeal has been admitted and is listed as the first case this morning.

Separately, a petition has been filed on behalf of District Collector Praveen Kumar seeking a stay on the contempt petition filed by original petitioner Rama Ravikumar, while also challenging the single-judge order.

Both matters will be heard today by a division bench comprising Justices Jayachandran and Ramakrishnan.

With Section 144 in force, public and devotees remain barred from accessing the hill, though the temple continues normal darshan and shops in the locality remain open. Police security in and around Thirupparankundram has been significantly increased as legal proceedings continue and tensions on the ground remain high.

(Source: News9)

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The post Thirupparankundram Hill Karthigai Deepam Row: Case Filed Against 15 People Including BJP Leader SG Suryah And Hindu Munnani Members After Clashes; Section 144 In Force appeared first on The Commune.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday permitted a petitioner to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon atop Thirupparankundram hill under CISF protection, after sharply criticising temple authorities for failing to comply with its earlier order.

Justice G R Swaminathan issued the direction while hearing a contempt petition filed by Rama Ravikumar of Madurai. The petitioner alleged that although the Karthigai Deepam must traditionally be lit at 6 pm, “no preparatory measure has been taken by the temple authorities for lighting the deepam even until 1 pm.”

Court Confronts Officials Over Delay

When the contempt petition was taken up around 4:30 pm, the judge directed the executive officer of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple and the Madurai city police commissioner to appear before the court through video conference. The matter was then passed over to 5 pm.

At 5 pm, Additional Advocate General J Ravindran appeared for the state and argued that the petition was “premature and deserves to be closed.” The court then passed over the hearing to 6:05 pm.

‘State Administration Has Decided to Cock a Snook’

When the case resumed, the judge noted that while the lamp at the Deepa Mandapam near Uchipillaiyar Temple had been lit at 6 pm, the Deepathoon lamp was not lit, contrary to the court’s specific directions.

“The state administration has decided to cock a snook at this court’s order,” Justice Swaminathan observed. He noted that the Dargha, “which alone could be said to be the aggrieved person,” had not filed any appeal, while the temple’s appeal had been submitted “in a defective format,” resulting in its return by the Registry. This, he remarked, “makes him wonder if it was ruse to disobey the order.”

He emphasised that unless the order was stayed by a Division Bench or the Supreme Court, it remained binding. “I had not ordered the execution of anybody. I had not ordered demolition of any building. No irreversible consequence will ensue if the order of this court is obeyed. On the other hand, defying the order of this court would send a very bad signal. It would encourage the officials to indulge in such conduct in future also. That would sound the death knell for democracy itself,” he said.

Court Invokes Broader Contempt Powers

Citing global judicial precedents on contempt, Justice Swaminathan said that courts are not restricted to issuing punishments alone, but are empowered to ensure obedience by directing that an act be carried out by another person if authorities fail to comply.

Invoking this principle, he permitted the petitioner to light the Deepam at the Deepathoon.

CISF Protection Ordered

The judge directed the Commandant of the CISF unit attached to the Madurai Bench to deploy personnel to protect the petitioner and his 10 associates while implementing the order.

The matter has been posted for reporting compliance on Thursday at 1 pm.

(Source: The New Indian Express)

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The post “State Administration Has Decided To Cock A Snook”, Justice GR Swaminathan Slams DMK Govt For Failing To Comply With Order Allowing Hindus To Light Lamp At Thirupparankundram Hill appeared first on The Commune.