Madras HC Allows Karthigai Deepam Lighting on Thiruparankundram Deepathoon

• Madras High Court upheld the order allowing Karthigai Deepam lighting on Thiruparankundram hilltop's Deepathoon.
• The court rejected the state's law-and-order concerns, disposing of pleas from temple officials and district authorities.
• Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan delivered the verdict, which petitioner Rama Ravikumar called a victory for Lord Murugan devotees.
• Court emphasized compliance with protected site provisions and consultation with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the lamp lighting.
• Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy criticized the judgment, questioning the lack of evidence for past practice and hinting at a Supreme Court appeal.

Why It Matters: Madras HC permits Karthigai Deepam on Thiruparankundram Deepathoon, overriding state concerns.