DMK MPs are attempting to bring an impeachment motion against Judge GR Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, sources said.
The move followed an order by the judge directing that the Karthigai Deepam be lit atop the Deebathun Pillar near a dargah on the Thiruparankundram hills. The court said this would not infringe on the rights of the nearby dargah or the Muslim community
The Tamil Nadu government, however, refused to implement the order, citing law and order concerns.
The issue has since triggered a political response, with ruling party parliamentarians preparing to escalate the matter at the national level
The court overruled objections by the temple authorities and the dargah management, and even directed that a small group of devotees (up to 10) be escorted with security accompaniment (CISF) to carry out the ritual.
However, the state government declined to implement the ruling, citing law and order concerns. Police blocked access to the hilltop site during the festival night, triggering protests by Hindu groups who attempted to climb the hill.
On December 5, 2025, a Division Bench of Madras High Court upheld the earlier order, observing that the State machinery had “wilfully decided” not to implement the directions. The authorities’ later appeal was dismissed.
Following this, the Tamil Nadu government filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court of India challenging the High Court’s verdict.
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