The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice on a petition seeking major directions concerning the historic Thirupparankundram hill temple in Tamil Nadu. The plea, filed by the Hindu Dharma Parishad, asks for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take over control of the site and for continuous lighting of the sacred lamp atop the hill.
A Bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi took up the matter and sought responses from the Centre, the Tamil Nadu government, and several local authorities.
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Background of the Case
The petition revolves around the Subramaniya Swamy Temple located on Thirupparankundram Hill in Madurai. The hill is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
The Hindu Dharma Parishad has demanded that:
- The ASI be directed to take control of the entire hill and temple premises
- The deepam (lamp) on the stone pillar, known as the Deepathoon, be lit round the clock
- On the festival of Karthigai, the entire hill be illuminated and devotees allowed to worship freely
The dispute has a long history and has previously seen legal battles over access, religious practice, and law and order concerns.
What the Supreme Court Heard
When the matter came up, Justice Aravind Kumar asked whether similar proceedings were already pending before the Madras High Court. Responding to this, the Tamil Nadu government’s counsel informed the court that a Division Bench of the High Court had already upheld an earlier order permitting the lighting of the lamp.
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The State also indicated that it was considering challenging the High Court ruling before the Supreme Court.
Taking note of the submissions, the top court issued notice to:
- Union of India
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Government of Tamil Nadu
- HR & CE Department
- Madurai District Collector
- Commissioner of Police, Madurai
- Executive Officer of Subramaniya Swamy Temple
“The matter requires consideration. Let notice be issued,” the Bench observed.
High Court Orders That Led to the Plea
The controversy gained momentum after Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madras High Court, on December 1, directed the temple authorities to light the lamp at the stone pillar atop Thirupparankundram hill.
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When the order was not implemented, the court took a stern view. In a subsequent order dated December 3, the judge allowed devotees to light the lamp themselves under CISF protection. The court also set aside prohibitory orders imposed under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The judge had strongly criticised the State for delaying compliance, observing that law and order concerns were being exaggerated.
Division Bench Upholds Lamp Lighting Order
The Tamil Nadu government challenged the contempt order before a Division Bench. However, on January 6, the bench comprising Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan dismissed the appeal.
The High Court upheld the single judge’s ruling, stating that fears of disturbance were speculative. The bench remarked that any unrest would arise only “if sponsored by the State itself.”
Following this, multiple parties including the State, police authorities, the Dargah management, and the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board approached higher forums.
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What the Petition Before Supreme Court Seeks
In its plea before the Supreme Court, the Hindu Dharma Parishad has sought:
- Transfer of control of Thirupparankundram hill to ASI
- Permanent lighting of the Deepathoon lamp
- Permission for devotees to worship freely on Karthigai day
- Protection of the site under central laws governing ancient monuments
The petition also highlights the historical and religious significance of the hill and argues that ASI control would ensure neutrality and proper maintenance.
Court’s Decision So Far
After hearing preliminary submissions, the Supreme Court issued notice to all concerned authorities and agreed to examine the matter in detail.
No interim directions were passed at this stage.
The case will now proceed after responses are filed by the Centre, the State government, and other parties.
Case Title: Hindu Dharma Parishad v. Union of India & Ors.
Case Number: W.P. (C) No. 1280 of 2025
Decision Date: January 23, 2026
