Officials from the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department surveyed a contested stone pillar at Thiruparankundram hill on December 10, amid legal disputes over lighting the Karthigai Deepam near a dargah. Justice S Srimathy of the Madras High Court Madurai Bench allowed a regulated hunger strike by local residents on December 13 to press for the ritual. The survey has drawn objections, with petitioners arguing it generates new evidence while the matter remains sub judice.
The dispute centers on the Deepathoon atop Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai, where Hindu devotees seek to light the Karthigai Deepam ritual close to a dargah, sparking legal battles in the Madras High Court. On December 10, a seven-member team from the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department, led by Deputy Director Yatish Kumar and Assistant Director Loganathan, examined the stone pillar—claimed by some as a survey stone—through technical analysis to study its physical characteristics.
This action immediately faced criticism. Niranjan S Kumar, counsel for one of the petitioners, questioned the state's move, stating it could alter the dispute's nature if new material is presented to the court, especially since the case is under judicial consideration. The survey occurred even as the court handles appeals and contempt proceedings related to the ritual's lighting.
Adding to the tensions, Justice S Srimathy permitted a petition by advocate R Prabhu of Thiruparankundram for a "peaceful fasting" protest on December 13 near the Mayil Mandapam on Sannathi Street. The judge imposed strict rules: up to 50 participants, fasting from 9 am to 5 pm, no slogans, only mantra chanting, full videography, one microphone, and no political involvement. Despite the state's opposition—citing pending appellate matters—Justice Srimathy ruled that a hunger strike is a protected form of expression under the Constitution, allowing regulation but not a total ban.
The controversy traces back to orders by Justice G R Swaminathan, which invoked contempt, quashed restrictions, and directed police protection, igniting the current chain of events. Earlier, on August 11, 2025, MPs from the INDIA bloc wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Justice B R Gavai, alleging Justice Swaminathan's bias toward Brahmin advocates and right-wing ideologies, citing examples like permitting 'Annathanam' and 'Angapradakshinam' at a Karur temple. Trichy Siva noted an impeachment motion with 13 charges had been submitted, highlighting concerns over judicial impartiality.
