The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, the Tamil Nadu government, and other authorities on a petition challenging the ASI’s takeover of the Thirupparankundram temple. The plea also seeks daily lighting of the lamp placed on the ‘deepathoon’ (stone pillar).
Justice GR Swaminathan questioned Senior Advocate Vikas Singh over reported remarks suggesting the judge had political ambitions during the Thiruparankundram lamp-lighting contempt hearing. The Madras High Court also sought an explanation from the State Chief Secretary over alleged non-compliance with court orders.
The Madras High Court issued a split verdict on animal sacrifices at the Sikkandar Badhusha Dargah. Justice Nisha Banu upheld religious freedoms, while Justice S Srimathy required historical proof for the practice before 1920. The case will now be referred to the Chief Justice for resolution of the differing opinions.