The Madras High Court has affirmed a court decision that allowed the old fashioned Deepathoon lamp lighting at Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple denying the appeal by Tamil Nadu government. The decision rekindles the arguments about religious rights and State laws, and was harshly criticized by the Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who said the DMK government was bashing the Sanatan Dharma.
State Overreach vs Temple Tradition.
Deepathoon–a dusk ceremony during which worshippers light oil lamps on top of the holy hill of the temple–is centuries old at this prehistoric rock-cut shrine at Madurai. There was a conflict between the authorities and the HR&CE officials when the former prohibited it due to the security concerns such as fire hazards and overcrowding. The Madurai Bench gave permission, and the DMK got an appeal, claiming the violation of the principles of the public order.
Justice S.M. Subramaniam declined the appeal, confirming the cultural importance of the tradition, security of the temple management, fire extinguishers, barricades, and volunteer marshals. The bench said that it could not arbitrarily extinguish faith practices, and ordered HR&CE to do so without interference.
The Scathing Attack of Piyush Goyal.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal took his chance and criticised DMK over its anti-Hindu thinking. In his speech in Coimbatore, he referred to the appeal and an impeachment bill against the single judge as evidence of partisan aggression. DMK is lamenting against Sanatan Dharma every moment–temple estates taken, feasts hampered, judges intimidated. It is not rule this is revenge, Goyal alleged.
He compared the backing of NDA on renovating the J&K temples and PM Modi on the building of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor to the claims of DMK encroachment of 4,700 acres of temple lands. Goyal united BJP cadres: 2026 will not put up with this intolerance – Tamil Nadu has a right to devotion, not diktats.
DMK Retaliation and Legal Background.
DMK leaders also retaliated by terming Goyals statements as divisive BJP game. Law Minister Regu Kumar defended: “Safety first- Deepathoon endangers life during hill climbs. Courts played along with believers, and not faith. The impeachment bid, which was brought based on unrelated rulings, is withdrawn after HC verdict.
HR&CE reforms in DMK involve computerization of temple accounts and quotas of priests, yet BJP accuses 5000 crore a year siphoning. Like wrangles at Palani, Srirangam concerning rituals.
Political Ramifications
| Stakes | BJP Angle | DMK Defence |
| Temple Autonomy | Lack of govt control | Clear administration |
| Hindu vote | Consolidation push | Dravidian social justice |
| Legislative service -2026 | Anti-incumbency tool Polls | Welfare record |
Conviction strengthens traditionalists in the temple, and this helps BJP in its efforts to reach out to the south. Worshippers were lighting lamps; BJP schemes state animal processions. The nod by HC confirms: bureaucracy loses to tradition- a victory of faith in secular courts
