Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench expressed anguish over repeatedly summoning officials for contempt. He said citing law and order to defy court orders is unacceptable and reflects a serious breakdown of the legal framework system.
Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court expressed his frustration regarding the need to repeatedly summon officials for contempt. He asserted that claiming law and order as an excuse to disregard a court order is utterly unacceptable and constitutes a breakdown of the legal framework.
Justice Swaminathan remarked in relation to the contempt case involving the Karthigai Deepam lamp lighting,
“That would lead to paralysis of the constitutional machinery,”
He stated,
“I am tired. In how many cases am I to haul up the officers concerned for contempt? Even today, the Chief Secretary (N Muruganandam), 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,”
He then postponed the hearing to January 9, 2026, at 4 pm. He also added,
“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,”
The judge highlighted his expectation for the Chief Secretary to respond responsibly to the initial question posed.
Recently, Justice G.R. Swaminathan, in his order, directed that the Karthigai Deepam be lit on the historic “Deepathoon pillar” by December 4, holding that the ritual would not infringe upon the religious rights of the Muslim community.
For over a century, the lamp had traditionally been lit at the Deepa Mandapam near the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple, a lower and widely accepted location. However, petitioners sought permission to light the Deepam at the ancient Deepathoon site, arguing that historical practice and temple ownership justified the request.
The order triggered widespread protests and backlash on social media and in public spaces.
Additionally, 120 Members of Parliament (MPs) from the DMK and its INDIA bloc allies have submitted an impeachment motion against Madras High Court Judge Justice GR Swaminathan. The notice, handed over to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accuses the judge of conduct detrimental to judicial impartiality, igniting a heated political debate across the state and the nation.
Karthigai Deepam is an integral part of Tamil Hindu culture, celebrated annually by lighting of a sacred lamp atop Thiruparankundram Hill. The ritual holds historical and cultural significance and is traditionally performed by a small group of devotees.
The Madras High Court’s directive to facilitate the ritual while ensuring security underscores the delicate balance between religious practices and law-and-order considerations in the state.
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