Tamil Nadu: DMK MPs have given adjournment motion notices in both houses of Parliament, demanding a debate on the Thiruparankundram issue.
Madras High Court’s Madurai bench judge, G.R. Swaminathan, had ordered the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the ancient lamp post located on top of the Thiruparankundram hill in a case filed by Hindu organizations.
However, on Wednesday, the police did not allow the lighting of the lamp on the hilltop, as the Madurai District Collector had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 in Thiruparankundram due to law and order concerns.
After the appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government was dismissed by a two-judge bench, Judge G.R. Swaminathan, who heard the contempt of court case yesterday evening, again ordered the lighting of the lamp today.
However, the Madurai police refused permission yesterday, citing law and order issues and the Tamil Nadu government’s intention to appeal to the Supreme Court, creating an unusual situation in the Thiruparankundram area. Thousands of Hindu organization members have gathered and are protesting.
As the Tamil Nadu government is expected to file an urgent appeal in the Supreme Court this morning, DMK MPs have issued notices in Parliament demanding a discussion on the Thiruparankundram issue.
Trichy Siva in the Rajya Sabha and D.R. Balu in the Lok Sabha have given adjournment motion notices. They state that “this issue, created for vested interests in Tamil Nadu, has fueled communal tension.”
It is noteworthy that the lamp was lit in the Uchi Pillaiyar temple area in Thiruparankundram, which is usually lit on the day of Maha Deepam.
