Thiruparankundram Hill cases: Madras HC defers verdict without date

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has deferred its verdict on cases related to Thiruparankundram Hill in Tamil Nadu without specifying a new date. The court, led by Justices Nishabanu and Srimathi, directed all parties to submit written arguments by May 15. The Tamil Nadu government emphasised the need for a solution that respects all religious communities and maintains peace, given the sensitive nature of the case.

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Two petitions

The petitions involve competing claims over the Tirupparankundram Hill, home to the historic Subramaniya Swamy Temple and the Sikandar Badusha Dargah. One petition was filed by Villupuram Swasthi Sri Lakshmi Sena Swamigal, representing the Jain community. The petitioner urged the court to declare the hill as "Samanar Kundru" (Jain Hill) and recognise its national importance. They also sought a ban on activities that contradict Jain principles, such as animal sacrifices, and requested the hill’s restoration and maintenance under proper authorities.

Another petition, filed by Kannan from Solai Azhagupuram in Madurai, demanded a ban on animal sacrifices at the Sikandar Badusha Dargah. Kannan alleged that goats and chickens were being sacrificed and cooked on the hill, which he claimed hurt the sentiments of devotees of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple. He argued that such practices should be prohibited to preserve the sanctity of the temple, a revered site built during the Pandya dynasty and known for its Umaiyandar cave temple and 11 sacred water bodies.

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Additionally, a 2023 petition by Ramalingam from Madurai sought to restrict Islamic religious activities, including prayers, at the Nellithope area atop the hill. This petition added to the ongoing disputes about how the hill, a shared sacred space, should be managed. Other petitioners, representing the dargah’s interests, had previously requested basic facilities like water and pathways for worshippers and protection from police interference during the dargah’s renovation work.

What TN govt said

The Tamil Nadu government, during the hearing, stressed that the court’s decision should prioritise religious harmony. The state highlighted the importance of ensuring peaceful coexistence between the Hindu, Muslim, and Jain communities, all of whom hold the hill sacred. The Subramaniya Swamy Temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, drawing thousands of Hindu devotees, while the Sikandar Badusha Dargah is a significant site for Muslim worshippers. The Jain community also claims historical ties to the hill, citing its ancient heritage.

The court’s decision to delay the verdict reflects its cautious approach to resolving these complex disputes. By asking for written submissions, the judges aim to thoroughly review all perspectives before issuing a ruling. The outcome will likely influence how shared religious sites are managed in Tamil Nadu, where diverse communities often worship in close proximity.

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The Thiruparankundram Hill has long been a symbol of religious diversity, with the temple and dargah coexisting peacefully for centuries. However, recent tensions over naming, rituals, and access have sparked legal battles.