Condemning this, Hindu Munnani functionaries marched towards the Thirupparankundram temple and hill, attempting to lay siege.
Published Dec 03, 2025 | 9:15 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 03, 2025 | 9:15 PM
Tension erupts over lighting of lamp post on the occasion of Karthigai Deepam. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, through Justice G.R. Swaminathan, had earlier directed that the lamp be lit at the beacon pillar on the hilltop and instructed the police to provide necessary security.
Tension prevailed in Madurai after members of Hindu Munnani staged a protest alleging non-compliance with a Madras High Court order to light the beacon lamp at the Deepa Thoon (lamp piller) located on the peak of Thirupparankundram hill.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, through Justice G.R. Swaminathan, had earlier directed that the lamp be lit at the beacon pillar on the hilltop and instructed the police to provide necessary security.
On the scheduled day, the lamp was lit near the Uchchi Pillayar Temple area, which is traditionally used every year. However, the lamp post at the exact hilltop pillar, as directed by the court, was not lit.
Condemning this, Hindu Munnani functionaries marched towards the Thirupparankundram temple and hill, attempting to lay siege.
When protestors tried to push past police barricades, clashes broke out with the police. The situation escalated when some protestors attempted to climb the hill after breaking the barricades, during which two police personnel on security duty were injured.
Subsequently, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ordered that the petitioner, along with 10 persons, be allowed to go to the lamp pillar under the protection of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to light the lamp.
Following the unrest, areas including the 16 Pillars Mandapam stretch and Thirupparankundram hill have been brought under tight police control to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, Madurai collector issued prohibitory orders under 163 BNSS, to maintain public safety and public tranquillity in view of emergent law and order situation at Thirupanakaundram.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
