The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday came down heavily on senior district and police officials for failing to carry out its earlier order related to the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at Thirupparankundram hill. The court made it clear that unless convincing reasons are shown, contempt charges will be framed against the officials in early February.
Background of the Case
The contempt petitions were filed by Rama Ravikumar and S. Paramasivam, alleging wilful disobedience of the High Court’s December 1, 2025 order. That order had permitted the traditional lighting of Karthigai Deepam atop the Thirupparankundram hill at the Deepathoon area.
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Despite repeated listings in December, the officials concerned did not file explanations. When the matter was taken up again on January 9, the District Collector, the City Police Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), and the Executive Officer of the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple were all present in court.
Court’s Observations
Justice G.R. Swaminathan expressed strong displeasure at the conduct of the authorities. The court noted that after its December 1 order, a prohibitory order was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, effectively blocking the ritual.
“The order permitting the Deepam was allowed, yet it was not obeyed,” the bench observed, adding that the prohibitory order appeared to have been passed “to frustrate the judicial order.”
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Even after that prohibitory order was quashed, the court recorded that police obstruction continued. Referring to this sequence, the judge cautioned that the court would not hesitate to frame charges if proper cause was not shown.
The single judge also pointed out that the earlier order had already been upheld by a Division Bench on January 6, 2026. The appellate bench had clearly declared that the Deepathoon area, located on the lower peak of the hill, belongs to the temple.
This finding, the court noted, left little room for ambiguity about the ownership and the authority to conduct rituals at the site.
During the hearing, another sensitive issue came to the fore. The Executive Officer of the temple stated that during the Sandhanakoodu festival, officials of a dargah had tied a Pallivasal flag to a tree in the Deepathoon area without seeking temple permission.
He told the court that the act amounted to “rank criminal trespass” and undertook to lodge a formal police complaint and follow all legal procedures to initiate prosecution. This statement was made in open court and recorded in the order.
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The Additional Advocate General informed the court that letters patent appeals had been filed in relation to the contempt proceedings and were pending before a Division Bench. On that basis, he sought more time on behalf of the officials.
However, the court remained firm. It recorded that the District Magistrate and the Deputy Commissioner of Police claimed they had acted independently and not under anyone’s instructions.
Court’s Decision
The Madurai Bench directed that the matter be listed again on February 2, 2026. It made it explicit that unless sufficient cause is shown, charges will be framed against the contemnors for disobedience of court orders.
Case Title: Rama Ravikumar & Anr. v. District Collector, Madurai & Ors.
Case No.: Contempt Petition (MD) Nos. 3594 & 3657 of 2025
Case Type: Contempt of Court
Decision Date: 09 January 2026
