Law Notify : The Supreme Court of India has issued notice on a petition filed by the Hindu Dharma Parishad seeking directions for the daily lighting of a traditional lamp at Thirupparankundram Hill in Tamil Nadu and for handing over administrative control of the site to the Archaeological Survey of India.

A Bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M. Pancholi has called for responses from the Union government, the Tamil Nadu government, the ASI, and other concerned authorities. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, relates to religious practices associated with the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple complex near Madurai.

The petitioner organisation has sought permission for the continuous lighting of a lamp at the ancient stone pillar known as the Deepathoon. It has also requested that the hill be illuminated and made accessible for worship, particularly during the Tamil month of Karthigai. In addition, the plea urges that the ASI assume control of the hill, citing its historical, cultural, and archaeological significance.

During the hearing, the Court was informed that connected proceedings are pending before the Madras High Court. Earlier orders of the High Court had allowed the lighting of the lamp at the hilltop, noting that the practice was rooted in long-standing tradition and did not infringe upon the rights of other communities.

By issuing notice, the Supreme Court has signaled that it will examine the wider issues raised in the plea, including the balance between religious practices, heritage conservation, and administrative control of historically significant sites.