Introduction
The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has approached the Supreme Court to challenge a recent directive by the Madras High Court. The directive involves the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepa Thoon on Thiruparankundram Hill, a practice not traditionally observed.
Background of the Case
The High Court’s decision, issued on January 6, mandated the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple Devasthanam to perform the lighting ceremony at the stone pillar during the annual Karthigai Deepam festival. This was contested by the HR&CE Department, which argued that the ruling creates a new ritual obligation not supported by existing statutes, customs, Agama prescriptions, or any prior decrees.
The HR&CE’s appeal highlights that the Karthigai Deepam has historically been lit at the Deepa Mandapam near the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple, rather than the stone pillar, for over 150 years. The Department asserts that the High Court’s decision disregarded the lack of evidence from devotees to prove any historical practice or requirement for lighting the lamp at the Deepa Thoon.
Legal Arguments
The appeal also raises constitutional concerns, citing Articles 25 and 26, which protect religious institutions’ rights to manage their own affairs in matters of religion. The HR&CE Department contends that these articles support non-interference by courts in religious practices and rituals.
The dispute initially arose when devotee Rama Ravikumar requested permission in October 2025 to light the Deepam at the Deepa Thoon. The temple’s executive officer declined, citing adherence to the traditional practice at the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple. Subsequently, Ravikumar and other devotees sought intervention from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
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Court’s Decision and HR&CE’s Response
Justice GR Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench directed the temple to light the Karthigai Deepam at both the Deepa Thoon and the traditional locations. This decision was later upheld by a Division Bench led by Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan, with conditions for a limited team to perform the ritual in coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India and the police.
The HR&CE Department, however, argues that the High Court overstepped by deciding on factual disputes, such as whether the Deepa Thoon is a stone lamp pillar or a survey marker, without proper evidence. The Department maintains that such matters should be determined by the Joint Commissioner under the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Act, 1959.
Implications and Concerns
The HR&CE Department warns that the High Court’s decision, if upheld, could set a precedent allowing individual devotees to seek judicial intervention in altering temple rituals across India. This, they argue, would undermine the autonomy of temple administrations and disrupt established practices.
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Conclusion
The Department is seeking a stay on the High Court’s judgment and permission to conduct the Karthigai Deepam festival according to traditional practices. The appeal underscores the need for constitutional courts to exercise restraint in intervening in religious practices, emphasizing that such disputes should be resolved by religious authorities or competent statutory bodies.
