Overview
- The Tamil Nadu government declined to implement a Madras High Court directive to light the lamp at the Deepathoon pillar and has filed an appeal that the Supreme Court agreed to consider for listing.
- State officials say the Karthigai Deepam was lit on December 3 at customary sites on Thiruparankundram hill, with related rituals conducted by the HR&CE Department and devotees dispersing peacefully.
- BJP leaders and allied groups pressed for enforcement of the High Court order and held protests on December 4, prompting police cases against 113 people, including the state BJP chief.
- On December 5, the Madras High Court asked the state to explain its repeated failure to permit lighting the lamp at the stone pillar near the dargah.
- Stalin coupled his defense with attacks on the Union government over stalled Madurai projects such as AIIMS and a proposed metro, while unveiling local road and drainage works.