DMK Plans To Move Impeachment Motion Against Madras HC Judge Amid Deepan Lamp Row | India News

Last Updated:December 08, 2025, 20:07 IST

DMK plans impeachment against Madras HC judge over Karthigai Deepam order at Thirupparankundram hills, sparking protests, BJP criticism, and legal challenges by officials.

On Monday, DMK reached out to MPs of INDIA block seeking support for its plan for moving forward with an impeachment motion against Madras high court judge who allowed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp atop Thirupparankundram hills. (Image: PTI/File)

The ruling party in Tamil Nadu is planning to move an impeachment motion against Madras high court judge who allowed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp atop Thirupparankundram hills.

On Monday, DMK reached out to MPs of INDIA block seeking support for the contemplated move. “Tamil Nadu MPs might sign,” a Congress MP from the state told CNN News18.

Another senior leader confirmed that other MPs were also being spoken to. “100 signatures will be needed to bring in the impeachment motion so other India block MPs are being approached,” the leader said.

Earlier, Opposition parties had initiated impeachment proceedings in the Rajya Sabha against Allahabad High Court judges Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav for alleged hate speech in late 2024.

DMK leaders, as per sources, feel that in the case of Madras HC judge too “proven misbehaviour or incapacity,” can be established under the Judges’ Inquiry Act, 1968.

This comes after an order by the judge directed that the Karthigai Deepam be lit atop the Deebathun Pillar near a dargah on the Thiruparankundram hills.

The dispute intensified after the High Court had directed that the petitioner, Rama Ravikumar, along with 10 others, be allowed to climb the hill with CISF protection to carry out the ritual. Despite this directive, the lamp was not lit at the hilltop. Instead, officials lit it at the usual Utchi Pillaiyar temple mandapam, following long-standing practice.

This triggered protests by Hindu Munnani activists and a section of devotees, who accused authorities of defying the High Court order. Crowds attempted to cross police barricades, leading to tense scenes, and one policeman was injured in the jostling.

Police stopped the petitioner and CISF personnel from proceeding to the hill after the Madurai Collector issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, citing public safety and the risk of a law-and-order breakdown.

The row escalated after several devotees, including Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran, were detained.

Last week, a petition was filed before the Supreme Court by the Madurai District Collector and the City Police Commissioner challenging the Madras High Court order that allowed the Karthigai Deepam lamp to be lit.

RSS-backed Hindu Munnani also announced a statewide protest, posting a call on X for a “Grand Statewide Condemnation Protest”. The group accused the Tamil Nadu government of “insulting Muruga devotees” and acting against the spirit of the High Court order.

In a post on X, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit alleged that the state government had “wilfully defied” a court order by stopping devotees from lighting the sacred Karthigai Deepam lamp.

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