Thirupparankundram row: Supreme Court agrees to hear T.N. government plea, but gives the State no interim relief
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition from the Tamil Nadu government regarding a dispute over lighting a lamp at a stone pillar near a dargah. The court declined to grant interim relief, opting to wait for further affidavits before a comprehensive hearing in eight weeks.
Why it matters
The case touches on sensitive issues regarding religious traditions, state authority, and the potential for communal tension in public spaces.
The Supreme Court on Monday (August 3, 2026) decided to examine a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay challenging orders passed by the Madras High Court on lighting a lamp at a stone pillar near a dargah on the Thirupparankundram hill.
A Bench headed by Justice Aravind Kumar issued notice to the Madurai District Collector, Joint Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), Sikkandar Badhusah Dargah, Hazarath Suitan, Sikkandar Badhsha Avuliya dargah, Archaeological Survey of India, Tamil Nadu Waqf Board and the petitioner in the High Court, Rama Ravikumar, and others on a plea filed by the Commissioner, HR&CE, Chennai.
The State, represented by senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, said the High Court has created a new tradition. It was not up to the courts to do that.
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