South Africa tour of India 2019
Section 144 Enforced in Madurai’s Thiruparankundram After Clash Over Karthigai Deepam Lighting Site
Authorities in Madurai have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (equivalent to Section 144 of the CrPC) in Thiruparankundram following violent clashes related to the lighting of the Karthigai Mahadeepam. The order, issued due to escalating tensions, aims to maintain public safety and prevent further unrest.
The conflict stems from a dispute over the location of lighting the ceremonial lamp—traditionally lit for over four decades at the Uchip Pillayar Temple site on the hill. A recent Madras High Court order permitted lighting at the hilltop deepasthambam near Sikandar Dargah, around 50 meters away, which some groups opposed citing concerns over communal harmony.
When the temple administration instead lit the lamp at the traditional temple site, Hindu groups protesting in favour of the court-sanctioned hilltop lighting clashed with police, resulting in scuffles and attempts to breach security barricades. In response, Justice G.R. Swaminathan directed CISF personnel to assist petitioners in executing the court order, after which the lamp was lit at the hilltop location.
Heavy security has now been deployed across the temple zone and surrounding areas, with several Hindu groups continuing to protest. The situation remains tense, and legal proceedings over alleged contempt of court are expected to follow.
நீதிமன்ற உத்தரவை அவமதித்த திமுக அரசு.
திருப்பரங்குன்றம் முருகன் மலையில் நீதிபதி உத்தரவிட்ட இடத்தில் தீபம் ஏற்றாமல், உத்தரவை மீறிய காவல்துறை, அறநிலையத்துறை அத்தனை பேர் மீதும் நீதிமன்ற அவமதிப்பு வழக்கு தொடுக்கப்பட வேண்டும்.. திருப்பரங்குன்றத்தில் பக்தர்கள் சேர்ந்து அநீதியை… pic.twitter.com/F0Fa1yRkWu
