The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, came down heavily on senior officials of the Tamil Nadu government during contempt proceedings linked to the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam issue, questioning whether the repeated non-compliance with court orders was happening “under instructions.”
Justice GR Swaminathan, who was hearing a contempt petition alleging continued disobedience of judicial directions permitting the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop the Thirupparankundram hill, directly questioned the State’s conduct and sought a clear explanation from the top bureaucracy. Addressing the Chief Secretary, the Court asked whether the persistent failure to implement its orders was occurring “under instructions.”
Expressing displeasure over the authorities’ continued reliance on “law and order” grounds to deny permission, Justice Swaminathan noted that such justifications were being repeated despite earlier court orders and despite prohibitory directions having already been quashed by the High Court. The Court observed that these reasons had been previously considered and rejected.
Directing the Chief Secretary to respond, the Court ordered that a “responsible reply” be filed at the next hearing. It also instructed that detailed affidavits be submitted explaining the reasons for non-compliance, clarifying whether the actions taken by officials were under instructions, and directed the Chief Secretary to appear virtually on the next date of hearing.
Accordingly, the matter was adjourned.
Background
The contempt plea arises from the alleged non-compliance with a single-judge order permitting the lighting of the traditional Karthigai Deepam at the stone pillar, known as the Deepathoon, located atop the Thirupparankundram hill near the Subramaniya Swamy Temple. The petitioner has alleged that despite clear judicial directions, officials prevented the ritual and continued to rely on prohibitory orders that were later quashed by the High Court.
Earlier in the proceedings, the Court had also summoned senior police and revenue officials and issued notice to the State for allegedly disregarding its directions by repeatedly citing policing and public safety concerns related to large gatherings.
Source: LiveLaw
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.