SC Flags Protests Over Karthigai Deepam order
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the Tamil Nadu government’s response on the case filed against protesters who allegedly made caste- and religion-based defamatory remarks against Madras High Court Judge GR Swaminathan following his order allowing lighting of Karthigai Deepam lamp at Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai.
The two-judge bench, comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale, issued notices to the Tamil Nadu government, Director General of Police, Chennai Police Commissioner and other officials.
The apex court directed the state government to submit a status report and posted the matter for hearing on February 2.
The court was hearing a petition filed by advocate GS Mani, who alleged that the DMK-backed ruling parties, including the Left parties, had staged illegal protests at public places and Madras High Court premises in Chennai and Madurai, along with certain individuals and lawyers. The petition alleged that extremely derogatory remarks were made against Justice Swaminathan during these protests.
Allegedly, caste and religion based expressions were intended to disrupt social harmony and incite law and order and social unrest. He sought directions to the state government and police authorities to take stringent legal action, including criminal prosecution, against those responsible.
On December 1, 2025, Justice Swaminathan had allowed writ petitions seeking arrangements to light the Karthigai Deepam at Deepathoon, a stone lamp post located on the Thiruparankundram hillock near a dargah. In his order, the judge observed that lighting the lamp would not affect the structure of the dargah, which is located more than 50 meters from the stone pillar.
When the order was not implemented, Justice Swaminathan passed another order on December 3 allowing devotees to light the lamp and directing the Central Industrial Security Force to provide protection.
This subsequent direction prompted the Tamil Nadu government to approach the Supreme Court.
