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Madras High Court Upholds Thiruparankundram Hill’s Name, Bars Dargah Sacrifice, Limits Festival Prayers

The Madurai bench grounded its ruling in early 20th-century gazetteers alongside ASI notifications that fix the site’s identity and protection.

Overview

  • The court confirmed official records recognize the site as Thiruparankundram Rock and rejected referring to it as Sikkandar Malai.
  • Archaeological Survey of India protection over 172.2 acres remains in force under 1908 and 1923 Gazette notifications.
  • Animal sacrifice at Sikkandar Badusha Dargah is prohibited unless a civil court validates it as an essential religious custom.
  • Muslim prayers at the Nellithoppu area are permitted only during Ramzan and Bakrid under strict conditions set by the court.
  • The steps to Nellithoppu and the hilltop Kasi Vishwanathar Temple are part of the temple estate and must remain unobstructed, while 33% of Nellithoppu is recognized as belonging to the Muslim community.