Our legal demands based on documented evidence: petitioner in Thirupparankundram deepathoon case

Rama Ravikumar, one of the petitioners in Thirupparankundram Deepathoon The lawsuit argues that the petitioners’ legal claims are strictly based on documented evidence and historical records.

“If our defense had been based solely on faith, it would not have withstood the scrutiny of one of the highest courts in the country, nor would we have been able to obtain a favorable decision,” he said.

Identifying the State government’s stance on the issue as the main source of the conflict, he said: “If we had been allowed to light the lamp, it would not have cost the State the billions of rupees spent on hiring lawyers to contest the case.”

Meanwhile, the State Archaeological Department, which examined the stone pillar on top of the hill and related archival documents, concluded that it was of Jain origin and not Hindu origin.

But it’s clearly about more than just lighting a lamp. Arif Khan, secretary of the Sultan of Hajrat, Sikkandar Basha Pallivasal, stated that the sole purpose of the petitioners was to light a lamp at the top of the temple. Deepathoonthey would limit their demands to that single action.

“However, over the years, they have revealed their true intentions by opposing animal sacrifice, organizing our festivals and even raising our flag,” he said.

Mr Khan also dismissed the petitioners as belonging to a marginal group, claiming: “If all Hindus were against us, as these marginal elements claim, why would our Hindu neighbors and other religious leaders be in solidarity with us?”

As for the inhabitants of Thirupparankundram district, they seem to have retained the syncretic spirit in which they have lived for a long time. “Although the area surrounding the hill is mainly based on the Subramania Swamy Temple, people of all faiths such as Hindus, Muslims and Christians have commercial establishments,” some residents said.

They said with one voice that they would continue to support and develop the cordial relationship prevailing on their part in the temple town.