The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday stayed the operation of a contempt of court order against Madurai district authorities in the Thiruparankundram Deepam lighting dispute [Praveen Kumar IAS Vs Rama Ravikumar].
A Division Bench of Justices N Sathish Kumar and M Jothiraman granted interim relief to the District Collector and senior police officials after they filed appeals against a single-judge ruling of December 4, 2025.
The Division Bench today directing that the single-judge order shall remain stayed till April 8.
The appeals arose from contempt of court proceedings initiated by Justice GR Swaminathan on December 4 over the alleged failure of authorities to comply with court directions permitting the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop the Thiruparankundram hill.
The controversy stemmed from an earlier December 2025 ruling holding that a stone pillar on the Thiruparankundram hillock is a Deepathoon belonging to the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple. The Court had directed restoration of the traditional Karthigai Deepam lighting at the site, clarifying that such observance would not affect the rights of the nearby Sikkandar Badhusha Dargah.
Despite the ruling, the lamp was not lit during the Karthigai festival, prompting devotees to initiate contempt of court proceedings.
During earlier hearings, the single-judge had also questioned temple authorities for failing to act on alleged encroachment, after a flag linked to a dargah festival was tied on what was claimed to be temple property, and directed that a criminal trespass complaint be filed.
Justice GR Swaminathan had taken an exceptionally stern view of the conduct of district authorities, warning that contempt charges may be framed for deliberate and repeated defiance of court orders.
He had also recorded that the Madurai District Collector had passed a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 “to frustrate the judicial order,” even though the High Court had already permitted the lighting of the Deepam.
He also took note of the absence of any apology or expression of remorse from the authorities, despite the seriousness of the allegations.
This led to the appeal before the Division Bench.
The Division Bench on Tuesday granted interim protection to the officials, effectively pausing the contempt proceedings for now.
The matter is listed for further hearing on April 8.
The appellants were represented by Additional Advocate General J Ravindran assisted by Additional Government Pleader J Ashok, and Additional Advocate General Veerakathiravan assisted by Additional Public Prosecutor S Ravi.
Senior Counsel AK Sriram and advocate Chandrasekar appeared for the temple authorities.
Advocate RM Arun Swaminathan appeared for the petitioner in the original case.
[Read Order]