Madras HC Questions TN Govt on Deepam Lighting Row at Thiruparankundram

• Madras High Court questioned the Tamil Nadu government's objection to lighting the Karthigai Deepam at the stone pillar atop Thiruparankundram hills.
• The dispute concerns whether the Deepam should be lit at the "Deepathoon" pillar or the Uchi Pillaiyar temple, where the state claims it has been lit for decades.
• The Tamil Nadu government cited law-and-order concerns for not implementing a court order, arguing the petition was for private interest.
• BJP MP Anurag Thakur raised the issue in Lok Sabha, accusing the Tamil Nadu government of being "anti-Sanatan Dharma."
• The court permitted a peaceful hunger strike by residents and devotees protesting the non-implementation of the Deepam lighting order.

Why It Matters: Religious ritual dispute sparks major political and legal conflict.