Overview
- The Madurai Bench’s Division Bench of Justices G. Jayachandran and K. K. Ramakrishnan affirmed the single-judge ruling and directed the Devasthanam to light the Karthigai Deepam at the hilltop pillar.
- The court rejected the state’s objections as an “imaginary ghost,” found no bar in Agama Shastra, and dismissed claims that the pillar belonged to the nearby dargah.
- Conditions set by the court include ASI preservation controls, no public presence during lighting, and District Collector supervision with team size fixed in consultation with ASI and police.
- The 2025 festival passed without the hilltop lighting despite the initial order, and contempt proceedings over that non-compliance remain pending.
- The Tamil Nadu government indicated it will approach the Supreme Court, as local devotees pressed for immediate implementation following the verdict.