Thirupparankundram Deepam Row: Justice Delivered for Hindu Devotees

In a decisive affirmation of constitutional values, the Madras High Court has ruled that the Thirupparankundram Temple Devasthanam must light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon atop Thirupparankundram Hill, upholding an ancient Hindu tradition.

The Court firmly rejected the Tamil Nadu government’s objections and exposed the DMK administration’s refusal to comply with earlier judicial directions, making it clear that imaginary law-and-order fears cannot override fundamental rights. The Division Bench of Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan categorically rejected the State’s claims that the ritual could cause law-and-order problems, calling such apprehensions an “imaginary ghost” lacking any legal or factual basis.

This verdict is a crucial victory for Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, reaffirming the right of Hindus to freely practise their religion and preserve age-old customs. It also sends a strong message against the long-standing pattern of state interference, neglect, and erosion of Hindu temple rights in Tamil Nadu, where thousands of temples have lost vast tracts of land under government control.

The judiciary has provided both support and protection. It is now the duty of the State and police to implement the order in letter and spirit, without obstruction.

GHHRC welcomes this judgment as a victory for religious freedom, rule of law, and Hindu civilizational rights. We thank Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan for upholding the right of worship of Hindus.