Madurai police block hilltop Deepam again, arrest protesters ahead of key court hearing

Madurai: In a fresh escalation of the Thiruparankundram temple dispute, Madurai police last night arrested several members of the BJP and Hindu Front organizations who attempted to climb the hill to light a ceremonial lamp, defying police orders. The arrests come despite a specific directive from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court permitting the lighting.

The court, hearing the ongoing case, had earlier dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's petition against the hilltop lighting. Justice G.R. Swaminathan subsequently ordered that the lamp (deepam) at the Thiruparankundram deepathoon (lamp pillar) be lit by 7:00 PM yesterday, Thursday. He also instructed the Madurai Police Commissioner to submit a detailed "white paper" report on the lamp lighting by 10:30 AM on December 5. 

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Acting on the court's order, BJP and Hindu organization members gathered at Thiruparankundram and attempted to ascend the hill. However, Tamil Nadu police personnel stationed at the spot stopped them, stating they did not have permission to proceed.

Thiruparankundram deepam issue: Protest and arrests

Following the police intervention, the protesters, including BJP leader Nainar Nagendran, staged a sit-in protest on the road, demanding the court order be implemented. Police advised the gathering to disperse peacefully.

During talks with the police, Nainar Nagendran stated that the group had assembled solely to demand the execution of the court's directive. "We have come here to demand the implementation of the court order," he said, adding, "If the government appeals, we have no objection to it. Let them appeal. Now, we are asking that we be allowed to light the lamp on the hill as per the court order."

Despite this, the police issued a final warning to disperse or face arrest. Upon the protesters' refusal, police proceeded to detain them. Nainar Nagendran and several other members of the BJP and Hindu organizations were subsequently taken into custody.

Madurai police cite Law & Order, Pending appeal

Explaining the reason for denying permission despite the court order, police officials cited significant law and order concerns. They further stated that permission was withheld because the Tamil Nadu government has expressed its clear intention to file an appeal against the High Court's verdict.

The matter will be taken up for hearing at Madurai High Court today morning.