Tension escalated at Thirupurankundram Hill in Madurai after clashes erupted between Hindu activists and police over the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam. The disagreement centred on lighting the Deepam at the usual site instead of the ancient Deepathoon pillar near the dargah. Protesters opposed this decision and attempted to reach the hilltop. Police intervened and stopped them from proceeding.
Section 144 Imposed
Earlier, the Madurai Bench of the High Court had directed that the lamp be lit at the location requested by the petitioner. However, the temple administration did not follow the court order. This led to a scuffle in which two policemen were injured. Authorities imposed Section 144 as protesters refused to disperse.
The High Court later heard an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government. Justice Jayachandran noted that the Deepam would remain at the traditional location, as the lamp had already been placed there.
BJP leaders strongly criticised the DMK government and the HR&CE Department. They accused the administration of violating court orders and preventing devotees from performing religious rituals.
The Dravidian Model DMK @arivalayam government and the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, which are refusing to honour the High Court order that the Karthigai Deepam must be lit at the ancient Deepathoon pillar in Thiruparankundram, must face the strictest…
— Narayanan Thirupathy (@narayanantbjp) December 3, 2025
