Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government announced it will challenge the Madras High Court decision upholding a single bench order permitting the lighting of the lamp atop Thirupparankundram hill during Karthigai Deepam, state Minister S Regupathy said on Tuesday.

The division bench, comprising Justices G Jayachandran and K K Ramakrishnan, upheld Judge G R Swaminathan’s December order, dismissing the DMK government's claims that lighting the lamp would disturb public peace, which the bench called “ridiculous.”

BJP members, led by TN BJP coordination committee convenor H Raja, celebrated the verdict in Madurai by bursting firecrackers. Devotees had earlier sought contempt proceedings against temple officials and local authorities for not following the December 1 order permitting lighting of the lamp near a Dargah.

Regupathy criticised the verdict, arguing that “culture and heritage of Tamils must be protected” and prevailing customs could not be altered. He compared the situation to cremation practices, suggesting traditions should not be changed at someone’s request.

BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy countered, saying Regupathy’s remarks were uncivil and demanded an apology. He also called on Chief Minister M K Stalin to remove the minister from the Cabinet.

The Tamil Nadu government, along with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, while SDPI state president Nellai Mubarak urged immediate action to protect law and order and maintain religious harmony.

The Thirupparankundram lamp lighting has been a matter of legal and political contention since December 2025. The dispute centres around lighting a stone pillar (Deepathoon) near a Dargah on the Karthigai Deepam festival. The original single judge order allowed the lamp lighting, but the DMK-led state government opposed it, citing potential public unrest.

The High Court’s division bench ruling on January 6 reinforced the single judge’s order, prompting celebrations by BJP supporters in Madurai. State Minister Regupathy labelled the verdict “legally incorrect,” emphasising that customs and traditions should not be changed arbitrarily.

The BJP responded sharply, citing inconsistencies and alleging disrespect towards judicial authority. Social media platforms became a battleground of statements, with Regupathy and BJP leaders exchanging pointed remarks.

The case is expected to reach the Supreme Court, where both the state government and temple authorities will present their arguments. Observers say the ruling could have broader implications for religious practices and law enforcement in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition, public order, and judicial intervention.