Supreme Court Declines to Suspend Madras HC Order in Thiruparankundram Deepam Case
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused to suspend the Madras High Court's order in the ongoing Thiruparankundram Deepam dispute, bringing temporary relief to the respondents while allowing the High Court's decision to remain in force.
A three-judge Bench comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha, Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Shree Chandrashekhar heard a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Hindu Dharma Parishad, which sought intervention against the Madras High Court's earlier judgment. After considering the submissions, the apex court declined to interfere with the substance of the High Court's ruling.
However, the Supreme Court granted limited relief by modifying one part of the High Court's order. While the Madras High Court had imposed ₹50,000 as litigation costs on the petitioner, the apex court held that the amount was excessive under the circumstances and reduced it to ₹5,000. Apart from this change, all other directions issued by the High Court will continue to remain in effect.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy revolves around the traditional Karthigai Deepam ceremony at Thiruparankundram Hill near Madurai, a site of religious significance that is also home to a historic dargah.
Earlier this year, the Madras High Court dismissed a petition filed by the Hindu Dharma Parishad while making strong observations against what it described as attempts to raise issues with political overtones. The petitioner subsequently approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on that order.
The Thiruparankundram issue has remained a sensitive matter in Tamil Nadu, involving questions relating to religious practices, administrative decisions and law-and-order concerns.
Supreme Court's Observation
While refusing to stay the High Court's judgment, the Supreme Court made it clear that it found no sufficient grounds to interfere with the earlier ruling.
At the same time, the Bench observed that the financial penalty imposed on the petitioner appeared disproportionate. Consequently, it reduced the costs from ₹50,000 to ₹5,000, while dismissing the Special Leave Petition.
The court's decision means the Madras High Court's directions will continue to operate unless altered in future proceedings.
Wider Significance
The Thiruparankundram Deepam dispute has attracted considerable public attention because of the site's religious importance and the legal questions surrounding traditional practices.
With the Supreme Court declining to suspend the High Court's order, the immediate legal position remains unchanged. The reduction in litigation costs is the only modification made by the apex court at this stage.
