Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Supreme Court Refuses Stay on High Court Lamp‑Lighting Order
The Supreme Court of India looked at a request from the Tamil Nadu government.
The government wanted to stop a lower court’s decision that let a temple light a special lamp on a hill near a mosque.
The Supreme Court said it would not pause the lower court’s order, so the lamp can still be lit.
The lower court said the government’s worries about trouble were just a made‑up fear.
The case shows how courts decide on religious events that could affect different communities.
Supreme Court issued notice on Tamil Nadu’s plea against a Madras High Court order.
Court refused to grant an ex‑parte stay, keeping the High Court order active.
High Court had allowed the temple to light the Karthigai Deepam on the stone pillar near the dargah.
Tamil Nadu government argued the lighting could spark communal tensions; High Court called these concerns an "imaginary ghost."
Supreme Court tagged the petition with a pending writ by the Hindu Dharma Parishad seeking ASI takeover of the hill.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu government, Supreme Court of India, Madras High Court, temple administration
- What
- Challenge to a High Court order permitting lamp lighting on Thirupparankundram hill
- When
- Supreme Court hearing on August 3, 2023
- Where
- Thirupparankundram hill, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- Government cited potential communal tensions; High Court dismissed concerns as imaginary
- Supreme Court Decision
- Refused ex‑parte stay, issued notice
- High Court Order
- Allowed lamp lighting on Thirupparankundram hill
- Hearing Date
- August 3, 2023
- Location
- Thirupparankundram hill, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu
- Parties
- Tamil Nadu government vs Madras High Court
