Deepam row: SC issues notice on Tamil Nadu govt's plea, refuses to stay HC order

The Supreme Court issued notice to Rama Ravikumar and others on the Tamil Nadu government's plea but refused to stay the Madras High Court order.

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, challenged the January 6 High Court order that upheld a single judge's December 1, 2025 order to light the ceremonial Deepam lamp on Thirupparankundram hill.

The High Court had ruled that the stone pillar's location belongs to Sri Subramania Swamy Temple, and the Waqf Board has no locus in the matter.

The case involves a writ petition by Rama Ravikumar seeking lighting of the sacred Deepam at the ancient stone pillar during the annual Karthigai Deepam festival.