https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/madras-high-court/thiruparankundram-deepam-row-madras-hc-asks-chief-secy-whether-repeated-disobedience-of-orders-is-done-under-instructions-seeks-reply-513647 [17/12, 17:04] Sekarreporter: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on senior Tamil Nadu officials during the contempt proceedings linked to the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam issue, asking the Chief Secretary whether the repeated disobedience of court directions was occurring “under instructions.”
[17/12, 17:04] Sekarreporter: https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/madras-high-court/thiruparankundram-deepam-row-madras-hc-asks-chief-secy-whether-repeated-disobedience-of-orders-is-done-under-instructions-seeks-reply-513647
[17/12, 17:04] Sekarreporter: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on senior Tamil Nadu officials during the contempt proceedings linked to the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam issue, asking the Chief Secretary whether the repeated disobedience of court directions was occurring “under instructions.”
Justice G.R. Swaminathan, who was hearing the contempt plea alleging continued non-compliance of court orders permitting lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop the Thiruparankundram hill, directed the Chief Secretary to file a 'responsible' reply addressing the concern at the next hearing. The court expressed displeasure that authorities continued to cite “law and order” issues to justify their stance despite earlier orders and the quashing of prohibitory directions.
The Court also questioned whether the continuous disobedience of court orders was occurring "under instructions."
Accordingly, it adjourned the matter, directing the Chief Secretary to file detailed affidavits explaining the reasons for non-compliance, clarify whether the actions were taken on instructions and appear virtually on the next date of hearing
Background
The contempt plea arises out of alleged non-compliance with a single-judge order permitting the lighting of the traditional Karthigai Deepam at a stone pillar (the Deepathoon) atop Thiruparankundram hill, near the Subramaniya Swamy Temple. Despite court directions, the petitioner claims officials prevented the ritual and relied on prohibitory orders later quashed by the High Court.
Earlier, the court had also summoned senior police and revenue officials and issued notice to the State for allegedly disregarding the directions by citing policing and public safety concerns over large gatherings.
