Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Madurai Deepam Row: Arrests, Court Orders, and Political Tensions
There is a big argument in Tamil Nadu about where to light a special oil lamp called Karthigai Deepam.
The BJP chief and his supporters wanted to light it on a hill near a Hindu temple and a Muslim shrine.
The court said they could, but the police stopped them and arrested the BJP chief.
The DMK government says they are following an older court order and think the new one is wrong.
The BJP and other groups are upset and say the government is not respecting Hindu traditions.
The court is still deciding what to do, and the argument is not over yet.
The Supreme Court is also involved now and will consider the Tamil Nadu government's plea.
TN BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran and over 100 others were arrested for attempting to light Karthigai Deepam on Thiruparankundram hill despite police prohibitions.
Madras High Court quashed prohibitory orders and directed police to provide protection for the ritual, but the police refused to allow the lighting.
The dispute involves a sacred stone pillar near both a Hindu temple and a Muslim dargah, with the DMK government citing a 2014 court order that restricts the lighting location.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan claimed the party respects local traditions and accused the petitioners of politicizing the issue.
The contempt case is scheduled to be taken up again, with the temple administration's appeal plea awaiting listing, and the Supreme Court agreed to consider the Tamil Nadu government's plea.
- Who
- Nainar Nagenthran (TN BJP Chief) and other Hindutva activists vs. DMK government and local community
- What
- Attempt to light Karthigai Deepam on Thiruparankundram hill and subsequent arrests
- When
- Thursday evening, with contempt case scheduled for December 5
- Where
- Thiruparankundram hill, Madurai
- Why
- Dispute over the location of lighting the Deepam near a sacred stone pillar close to both a Hindu temple and a Muslim dargah
- Location
- Thiruparankundram hill, Madurai
- Arrested Person
- Nainar Nagenthran (TN BJP Chief)
- Event
- Attempt to light Karthigai Deepam
- Court Involvement
- Madras High Court quashed prohibitory orders and permitted lighting with security
- Controversy
- Dispute over lighting Deepam near a dargah and Hindu temple
- Police Action
- Detained over 100 people, including Nagenthran, and refused to allow them to climb the hill
- Government Stance
- DMK government respects 2014 court order and will appeal the new one
- Political Reactions
- AIADMK and BJP criticize DMK government for not following the court's orders
- DMK's Response
- DMK claims no political or moral setback and alleges petitioners are politicizing the issue
- Contempt Case
- Scheduled to be taken up again, with the temple administration's appeal plea awaiting listing
- Supreme Court Involvement
- Agreed to consider hearing Tamil Nadu government's plea challenging Madras High Court order
Sources
TN BJP Chief Nainar Nagenthran Arrested
Madras HC quashes Madurai prohibitory orders, slams officials for ‘calculated’ defiance over Deepam row
Court Order On Lighting Lamp "Not A Setback": DMK On Deepam Contempt Case
HC rejects plea against 'Karthigai Deepam' lighting on TN hill
No Lamp Allowed On Pillar For Karthigai Deepam. BJP, Right Wing Groups Protest
Madras High Court Judge Summons Collector, Police Commissioner In Deepathoon Lamp Case
Karthigai festival lamp row: Madurai district authorities move SC against HC’s division bench order
Police book TN BJP chief in row over lighting lamp at temple
Thiruparankundram row: Police book TN BJP chief, 112 others
Row over lamp lighting at temple: SC agrees to consider hearing plea of TN against HC order
Lok Sabha adjourns till 12 noon amid DMK members’ protests over Deepam row
Madurai lamp lighting row: SC refuses TN bid to mention plea against Madras HC order
Legal tussle over Madurai lamp-lighting ritual: Madras HC adjourns appeal, contempt proceedings
DMK, BJP members face-off in LS over ‘Karthigai Deepam’ at Madurai temple
Uproar in Lok Sabha as DMK members protest over lamp lighting row in Tamil Nadu
Explained: How a Lamp-Lighting Court Order Lit a Political Fire in Tamil Nadu
Amidst row over deepam, Stalin slams Sangh Parivaar for attempting to foment communal polarisation
DMK, BJP Members Face-Off in LS Over 'Karthigai Deepam' at Madurai Temple
WION Explains | What is the Madurai Thirupanrankudram temple controversy about?
