Major Victory for Hindu Dharma: BJP and Hindu Groups Celebrate Madras High Court Verdict

Chennai/New Delhi, January 7, 2026: In a landmark judgment favoring religious traditions, the Madras High Court has upheld the historic right to light the sacred lamp at the Thirupparankundram hill, dedicated to Lord Murugan. Dismissing the objections raised by the DMK-led state government, the Madurai Bench of the High Court affirmed that the tradition of lighting the 'Karthikai Deepam' on the 'Deepathoon' (Lamp Pillar) must continue.

The verdict has sparked a wave of celebration among BJP leaders and various Hindu organizations, who have termed it a "Triumph of Sanatan Dharma" and a "Defeat of Appeasement Politics."

"A Slap on Appeasement Politics," says Union Minister Piyush Goyal

Reacting to the judgment in New Delhi, Union Minister Piyush Goyal lauded the court’s decision and launched a scathing attack on the state government. He stated:

"This verdict is a victory for justice and for the millions of devotees who have kept this sacred tradition alive for centuries. The attempts by the state government to halt this ritual reveal their 'anti-Hindu mindset.' The Madras High Court's order is a firm slap on the face of those practicing the politics of appeasement."

Goyal further noted that the state government’s use of "law and order" as an excuse to stop a religious ritual was rightly termed 'ridiculous' by the court.

Understanding the Dispute (The Deepathoon Row)

The conflict centered around a stone pillar (Deepathoon) located on the Thirupparankundram hill, where a massive lamp is lit annually during the Karthikai Deepam festival.

• The Government's Stance: The Tamil Nadu government and the Waqf Board had raised concerns, claiming that lighting the lamp near a local dargah could disturb peace and create law-and-order issues.

• The Court’s Ruling: The division bench, comprising Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan, clarified that the pillar is temple property. The court observed that a government should not stoop to the level of creating "imaginary fears" just to obstruct a one-day religious ritual for political agendas.

Celebrations Across Tamil Nadu

Following the order, members of various Hindu groups celebrated by bursting crackers and distributing sweets in Madurai, Chennai, and other parts of the state. A special 'Victory Puja' was performed at the Thirupparankundram temple. The Tamil Nadu BJP unit stated that the ruling has shattered the "arrogance of the state administration."

Administrative Directions

The court has directed the temple management to coordinate with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the local police to ensure the lighting ceremony is conducted safely. To manage the crowd, only temple staff will be permitted at the pillar site, with the entire event being monitored by the District Collector.

Note: This article draws from legal reports, scriptures, and traditional news sources. Seek legal or expert advice for specific interpretations.