Overview
- A Division Bench led by Justices G Jayachandran and K K Ramakrishnan dismissed government and allied appeals, affirming the December 1 order to light the Karthigai Deepam at the stone pillar.
- The court rejected law-and-order objections as an “imaginary ghost” and noted no formidable evidence that Agama Shastra prohibits lighting the lamp at the identified site.
- Conditions set include ASI authority to impose preservation measures, a restricted temple team to perform the ritual without public accompaniment, and supervision by the District Collector.
- Judges rejected claims that the pillar belonged to the nearby dargah and held that performing the ritual on temple land does not infringe the mosque’s rights or access.
- Tamil Nadu officials indicated they will approach the Supreme Court, contempt proceedings over non-implementation of the earlier order remain pending, and local supporters urged swift execution.