Overview
- After a single-judge Madras High Court order to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon pillar by December 4, the state declined citing law-and-order risks and filed an appeal in the Supreme Court.
- The Supreme Court has agreed to consider the Tamil Nadu government’s plea challenging the High Court directive, leaving the legal question unresolved after the festival period.
- Madurai police registered cases and made arrests, including of senior BJP leaders, following clashes on December 4 when groups attempted to reach the hill to enforce the order.
- MK Stalin said the lamp was lit at traditional locations on December 3 under HR&CE oversight, accusing BJP-aligned groups of stoking unrest for political gain.
- The Madras High Court sought the state’s explanation for not permitting lighting at Deepathoon, while reports say DMK MPs are planning an impeachment move against the judge who issued the order.