Supreme Court Seeks Responses on Temple Lamp Lighting Plea
The Supreme Court of India has taken up a significant petition concerning religious practices at a historic temple in Tamil Nadu. On Friday, a bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M. Pancholi issued notices to multiple authorities, seeking their responses on a public interest litigation (PIL) that demands specific religious observances at the Thirupparankundram Lord Murugan Subramaniya Swamy Temple.
Key Demands in the Petition
The PIL, filed by the Madurai-based organization Hindu Dharma Parishad, contains several important requests regarding temple rituals. The primary demand is for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to assume control of the temple and ensure that the lamp on top of the Deepathoon (a stone pillar) remains lit permanently, operating 24 hours daily without interruption.
Additionally, the petition seeks directions for an annual celebration during the Karthigai month. Specifically, it requests that on the day of Karthigai, the entire hill where the temple is located be illuminated with lamps, and devotees of Lord Muruga be permitted to worship freely during this period.
Judicial Proceedings and Background
During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench inquired about the status of related proceedings in the Madras High Court. The court was informed that a division bench of the Madras High Court had previously upheld a single judge's order that allowed the lighting of the lamp on the Thirupparankundram hill. This decision was delivered on January 6, and it included strong criticism of the DMK government's stance.
The High Court had dismissed the state government's claim that lighting the lamp would disturb public peace, labeling this argument as "ridiculous." Despite this ruling, parties involved are reportedly considering filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) to challenge the High Court's order, indicating ongoing legal contention.
Allegations Against the State Government
The petition includes serious allegations against the current governing party in Tamil Nadu. It accuses the state government of supporting actions that could incite religious riots and claims that the Hindu Religious and Endowments Department has neglected the importance of Thirupparankundram as Murugan's first base. The petitioner urges the state government to cease what they describe as a conspiracy against religious practices.
This case highlights the intersection of religious rights, governmental authority, and cultural heritage preservation in India. The Supreme Court's decision to seek responses from the Centre, Tamil Nadu government, and other parties underscores the national significance of this issue, which touches upon both legal and spiritual dimensions of Indian society.
