Thiruparankundram Deepam Row | Madras HC Asks Chief Secy Whether 'Repeated Disobedience' Of Orders Is Done Under Instructions, Seeks Reply

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, in its order, said that unless an order was set aside or stayed, it had to be obeyed, and law and order could not be a ground for flouting the court's order. Such an attempt, the court said, would lead to paralysis of the constitutional machinery.

"Even today, the Chief Secretary who was reading out from a prepared text stated that even though they have high regard for the judiciary, they have to take into account law and order issues while implementing court's orders. This is unacceptable. When a court has issued an order, unless it has been stayed or set aside by a higher forum, it has to be obeyed. Of course, there could be cases where a judicial order cannot be implemented. I can conceive of such situations. But law and order cannot be a ground for flouting a court's order. That would be inexcusable. That would amount to break down of law and order. That would lead to paralysis of the constitutional machinery," the court said.

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, by taking a responsible stand, explaining the reasons for non-compliance. Noting the officer's appearance in person, the dispensed with their future appearance.

Background

The contempt plea arises out of alleged non-compliance with the 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 a notice to the State for allegedly disregarding the directions by citing policing and public safety concerns over large gatherings.

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr.G.Karthikeyan, Senior Counsel Mr.KPS.Palanivelrajan, Senior Counsel for Mr.RM.Arun Swaminathan

Counsel for respondent: Mr.J.Ravindran, Addl. Advocate General, Assisted by Mr.S.S.Madhavan, Addl. Government Pleader, Mr.Vikas Singh, Senior Counsel and Mr.Veera.Kathiravan, Addl. Advocate General, Assisted by Mr.S.Ravi, Addl. Public Prosecutor Pleader, Mr.Jothi, Senior Counsel for Mr.V.Chandrasekar

Case Title: Rama Ravikumar and Another v. KJ Praveen Kumar IAS and Others 

Case No: CONT P(MD) Nos.3594 & 3657 of 2025 in W.P.(MD)Nos.32317 & 33197 of 2025