Madurai temple lamp row: HC summons TN officials; Judge faces impeachment bid

• Madras High Court summoned Tamil Nadu's Chief Secretary and ADGP for violating its order on lighting the Karthigai deepam at Thiruparankundram hill.
• The court's order allowed Hindu devotees to light the lamp on a 'deepathon' atop the hill, which also hosts a dargah.
• Justice Swaminathan expressed concern over district-level officials defying court orders, leading to the summons for top state officials.
• Opposition leaders, led by DMK, moved an impeachment motion against Justice Swaminathan for alleged misconduct and determining cases based on a "particular political ideology."
• CM MK Stalin criticized the "deepam row" as "cheap politics," stating spirituality should foster unity, not division.

Why It Matters: State officials defying court orders on religious practice sparks political and judicial conflict.