HC Rejects TN Govt’s Plea Against Lighting Holy ‘Deep’ Near Dargah
In a significant development, the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against the court’s order directing to light a holy ‘deep’ near a dargah. The court’s decision came after the state government had filed an appeal against the earlier order, which had allowed devotees to light a holy ‘deep’ near the dargah located at the foot of the Thiruparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu. The court, while dismissing the appeal, observed that it was filed with an ulterior motive.
The controversy surrounding the lighting of the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah had been ongoing for some time. The court had earlier directed the authorities to allow devotees to light the ‘deep’ near the dargah, but the state government had opposed the move, citing concerns about law and order. However, the court’s decision to dismiss the government’s appeal has now paved the way for devotees to light the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah.
The background to the controversy is that a group of devotees had approached the court, seeking permission to light a holy ‘deep’ near the dargah, which is located at the foot of the Thiruparankundram hill. The devotees had argued that lighting the ‘deep’ was an essential part of their religious rituals and that they had been doing so for many years without any issues. However, the state government had opposed the move, citing concerns about law and order and the potential for communal tensions.
The court, while hearing the petition, had directed the authorities to allow devotees to light the ‘deep’ near the dargah, subject to certain conditions. However, despite the court’s direction, the ‘deep’ was not lit at the designated spot, and instead, it was lit at another location. This prompted the devotees to approach the court again, seeking contempt proceedings against the state government for violating the court’s order.
The state government, in its appeal, had argued that the court’s order was not feasible and that it would lead to law and order problems. However, the court was not convinced by the government’s arguments and observed that the appeal was filed with an ulterior motive. The court’s decision to dismiss the appeal is a significant victory for the devotees, who had been seeking to light the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah as part of their religious rituals.
The court’s decision also highlights the importance of upholding the rights of citizens to practice their religion without fear of persecution or harassment. The Constitution of India guarantees the right to freedom of religion, which includes the right to practice and propagate one’s religion. The court’s decision is a reaffirmation of this fundamental right and sends a strong message that the state cannot interfere with the religious practices of citizens without a valid reason.
The controversy surrounding the lighting of the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah also highlights the need for greater understanding and tolerance between different communities. The fact that the state government had opposed the move, citing concerns about law and order, suggests that there are still deep-seated prejudices and biases that exist in our society. However, the court’s decision is a step in the right direction and promotes the values of secularism and tolerance that are enshrined in our Constitution.
In conclusion, the Madras High Court’s decision to dismiss the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against the court’s order directing to light a holy ‘deep’ near a dargah is a significant development that upholds the rights of citizens to practice their religion without fear of persecution or harassment. The court’s decision promotes the values of secularism and tolerance and sends a strong message that the state cannot interfere with the religious practices of citizens without a valid reason. The controversy surrounding the lighting of the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah also highlights the need for greater understanding and tolerance between different communities.
About the Author
