The Tamil Nadu government made a mention before Chief Justice Surya Kant, seeking urgent listing and expeditious hearing of its petition filed against the order issued by the Madurai Bench of the high court.
Published Dec 05, 2025 | 1:07 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 05, 2025 | 1:07 PM
Supreme Court. (iStock)
Synopsis: The Chief Justice stated that if the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal papers were filed properly, the case would be listed in the normal course as per procedure. The Chief Justice also made it clear that the Supreme Court would not entertain any oral mentions or requests made without proper filing and documentation.
The Supreme Court on Friday, 5 December, agreed to hear Tamil Nadu’s petition challenging a Madras High Court order that allowed a section of devotees of the Uchchipillaiyar Temple to light the traditional Karthigai deepam at Deepathoon, a stone lamp pillar located near a Dargah at Thirupparankundram in Madurai.
The Tamil Nadu government made a mention before Chief Justice Surya Kant, seeking urgent listing and expeditious hearing of its petition filed against the order issued by the Madurai Bench of the high court.
Rama Ravikumar, who had moved the high court seeking permission to light at Deepathoon, opposed the government’s plea. He accused the state of “stage-managing” the issue and deliberately failing to comply with the high court’s directions. He alleged that the government was disregarding the judicial order while approaching the Supreme Court.
Responding to the submissions, the Chief Justice stated that if the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal papers were filed properly, the case would be listed in the normal course as per procedure. The Chief Justice also made it clear that the Supreme Court would not entertain any oral mentions or requests made without proper filing and documentation.
On 1 December, a Single Bench of Justice GR Swaminathan of the high court had observed that the temple was duty-bound to light the lamp at Deepathoon, besides lighting near the Uchchipillaiyar Mandapam. The court also added that the lighting of the lamp would not encroach upon the rights of the Dargah or the Muslim community.
The judge passed another order on 3 December after the earlier directive was not implemented. Justice Swaminathan directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), deployed at the court, to ensure the protection of the devotees.
However, the police prevented the bid, citing prohibitory orders promulgated considering the law and order situation.
