The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday, January 9, 2026, issued a sharp warning to senior administrative, police, and temple officials over alleged defiance of its order permitting the lighting of the traditional Karthigai Deepam atop the Thirupparankundram hill.
Justice G R Swaminathan made it clear that unless proper explanations are offered, formal contempt charges will be framed.
Background of the Case
The dispute arises from a batch of writ petitions decided on December 1, 2025, in which the court allowed the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at Deepathoon, a location on the Thirupparankundram hill associated with the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple.
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Despite the clear judicial direction, the ritual was not permitted to take place. Two contempt petitions were subsequently filed, alleging that officials deliberately obstructed the implementation of the court’s order. The petitions named the Madurai District Collector, the Commissioner of Police (Madurai City), senior police officials, and the Executive Officer of the temple as contemnors.
Proceedings Before the Court
When the contempt petitions were taken up on Friday, all the alleged contemnors appeared in person before the court. Justice Swaminathan noted that the matters had been listed several times in December 2025 and again on December 17, yet no response had been filed explaining the failure to comply.
The Additional Advocate General informed the court that Letters Patent Appeals had been filed and were pending before a Division Bench. He sought additional time, stating that the appeals were yet to be taken up.
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The court, however, expressed concern over the continued silence of the officials.
“Even though sufficient opportunity was available, no cause has been shown so far,” the judge observed.
Court’s Observations
Justice Swaminathan recalled that after the December 1 order permitting the Deepam, a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, was issued by the District Collector. The court recorded that this order had the effect of preventing the ritual.
Even after the prohibitory order was quashed, the judge noted, police obstruction allegedly continued.
“To frustrate the judicial order, further steps were taken,” the court remarked, adding that such conduct could not be ignored.
The bench also referred to the January 6, 2026 judgment of a Division Bench, which upheld the original order and categorically declared that the Deepathoon area on the lower peak of the hill belongs to the temple.
An additional issue surfaced during the hearing relating to the Sandhanakoodu festival. It was brought to the court’s notice that Dargha authorities had tied a Pallivasal flag on a tree in the Deepathoon area.
The temple’s Executive Officer told the court that no permission had been obtained for this act. He went further and conceded that the incident amounted to “rank criminal trespass.” He assured the bench that a complaint would be lodged before the jurisdictional police and that all legal formalities for prosecution would be followed.
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This statement was recorded by the court in the presence of counsel representing the parties.
The District Magistrate and the Deputy Commissioner of Police submitted before the court that the actions taken were decisions made independently by them and not under the instructions of any other authority. Their statements were placed on record.
Court’s Decision
Concluding the hearing, Justice Swaminathan warned that unless valid and convincing reasons are shown, charges in the contempt proceedings will be framed on February 2, 2026.
The contempt petitions were directed to be listed on that date for further action.
Case Title:- Rama Ravikumar & Anr. v. K.J. Praveenkumar, IAS & Ors.
