Tension erupted at Thiruparankundram Hill on Wednesday when members of four pro-Hindu organisations — Hindu Makkal Katchi, Hindu Tamilar Katchi, Hanuman Senai and Hindu Munnani — attempted to climb the hillock to light the Karthigai Deepam lamp at Deepathoon. Their attempt triggered a clash with Tamil Nadu police, who were deployed to prevent any escalation.
The conflict stemmed from a Madras High Court order directing the Subramaniya Swamy Temple authorities to light the lamp on Deepathoon by 6 pm. The directive followed a petition filed by four individuals, including Hindu Makkal Katchi activist Rama Ravikumar, seeking permission to carry out the ritual on the ancient stone. However, when the temple administration failed to comply with the deadline, supporters gathered in large numbers outside the temple, and several attempted to scale the hill, leading to a physical confrontation with police personnel.
The state government, temple administration and the Sikandar Badusha Dargah management — located near the temple — had earlier opposed the petition on multiple grounds. The temple authorities argued that the traditional lighting takes place at a different shrine and should not be relocated, while the dispute between the temple and dargah management was also cited. Authorities additionally questioned the political affiliations of petitioner Ravikumar.
Despite the opposition, the High Court dismissed the objections and ordered that the lamp be lit specifically at Deepathoon. The Executive Officer clarified that the act was symbolic but significant, and allowed the petitioner to ascend the hill accompanied by up to ten persons. To ensure safety, the court further instructed the CISF Unit at the Madurai Bench of the High Court to deploy personnel to provide security for the petitioner and his associates while carrying out the ritual.
