Quick Summary: A court battle over lighting a traditional lamp at a temple in Madurai has sparked controversy, leading to a contempt case and a heated appeal. The court sided with tradition, allowing the lamp to be lit despite opposition.
On December 3, 2025, Rama Ravikumar asked for permission to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepa Thoon, an old stone lamp pillar at Thirupparankundram Hill in Madurai. This request was based on a previous court decision from 1996. However, the temple's Executive Officer initially denied his request, leading to the legal battle.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, led by Dr. Justice G. Jayachandran and Mr. Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan, decided in favor of Rama Ravikumar. The court ordered the temple management to light the lamp on December 3, 2025, despite objections.
"The Karthigai Deepam shall be lit from this year onwards at Deepathoon also." — Court Order
Rama Ravikumar, worried that the order might not be followed, filed a contempt petition on the same day. The court acted quickly, allowing him and a small group to light the lamp with protection from CISF personnel.
The appeal, led by District Collector K.J. Praveenkumar and Commissioner of Police J. Loganathan, argued that the court's order was beyond what it should have decided and that the contempt petition was too early. They claimed the temple was affected by the decision and should have had time to appeal.
The court rejected the appeal on December 4, 2025, stating that the order was within legal limits and necessary to protect the rights of worship guaranteed by the Constitution.
"The learned Single Judge has permitted the petitioners to light the lamp in the stone pillar known as 'Deepa Thoon' during the Megha Deepam Day." — Court Ruling
The court's decision was a win for those wanting to keep cultural and religious traditions alive. The ruling highlighted the importance of respecting historical practices and the rights of worship, reaffirming the judiciary's role in protecting constitutional rights.
