Supreme Court notice to Tamil Nadu, Centre on plea for ASI takeover of temple

NEW DELHI: SC Friday sought a response from Centre, Tamil Nadu govt and others on a plea seeking directions to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take control of Thirupparankundram Lord Murugan Subramaniya Swamy Temple and light the lamp on the top of the Deepathoon (stone pillar) permanently for 24 hours daily.

A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi issued notices on a PIL filed by Madurai-based organisation Hindu Dharma Parishad. The bench queried whether the matter was still pending in Madras HC and the court was told that a division bench had upheld single judge's order for the lighting of the lamp, and parties are contemplating filing a SLP challenging the order.

The plea sought directions that every year on the day of Karthigai in the month of Karthigai, the entire hill be lit with lamps and Muruga devotees be allowed to worship. HC on Jan 6 upheld a single judge's order allowing the lighting of a lamp on the Thirupparankundram hill, and slammed DMK govt, calling "ridiculous" its claim that lighting of the lamp will cause disturbance to public peace.

"The petitioner states that governing party in the state is supporting act of inciting religious riots. Hindu Religious & Endowments dept has not given importance to Murugan's first base in Thiruparankundram. The state govt should put an end to this conspiracy." it said.

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