AMERICA NEWS WORLD| BREAKING
**Madurai, December 12, 2025 | Reported by SADAB KHAN
In a sharp rebuke, the Madras High Court on Friday questioned the Tamil Nadu government’s objection to lighting the traditional *Karthigai Deepam* at the historic stone pillar atop Thiruparankundram hill, asking pointedly: **“What is the problem?”**
During the hearing of a batch of petitions challenging the state’s restrictions, the bench cut straight to the heart of the controversy:
> “If lighting the Deepam on the hill gives better visibility and has been a centuries-old tradition — what exactly is the problem?” the court asked the government counsel.
The remark left the state’s legal team scrambling for answers as the court demanded clarity on why authorities were opposing a practice deeply rooted in Tamil religious and cultural heritage.
The row erupted after the Tamil Nadu government cited safety and archaeological concerns in restricting the lighting of the giant lamp (*Maha Deepam*) at the hilltop pillar in Thiruparankundram — one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan — during the ongoing Karthigai Deepam festival.
Devotees and Hindu organizations have accused the DMK-led government of interfering in religious traditions, escalating tensions in the state.
The court’s strong observations come just days after similar controversies surrounding festival celebrations in Tamil Nadu.
With the Karthigai Deepam festival in full swing across the state, all eyes are now on how the Tamil Nadu government responds to the High Court’s direct challenge.
The hearing has been adjourned, with the court directing the state to file a detailed affidavit justifying its stand.
More to follow.
**ANW| First. Fast. Fearless.**
Discover more from AMERICA NEWS WORLD
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a Reply