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 directed the authorities to allow devotees to light a holy ‘deep’ near the dargah located at Thiruparankundram Hill in Tamil Nadu.
The controversy surrounding the lighting of the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah had been ongoing for some time, with the state government opposing the idea citing concerns about law and order. However, the court had earlier ruled in favor of the devotees, directing the authorities to allow them to light the holy ‘deep’ near the dargah.
Despite the court’s order, the diya was not lit at the designated spot, and instead, it was lit at another location. This move was seen as a deliberate attempt to defy the court’s order, and the court took a strong exception to this.
In its ruling on Thursday, the court observed that the appeal filed by the state government was motivated by an ulterior motive. “The appeal, filed with an ulterior motive, is dismissed,” the court said, making it clear that it would not tolerate any attempts to defy its orders or undermine the rule of law.
The court’s decision is significant, as it upholds the principles of religious freedom and the right to practice one’s faith without fear of persecution or hindrance. The lighting of the holy ‘deep’ is an important religious ritual for many devotees, and the court’s order ensures that they can continue to practice their faith without any obstacles.
The controversy surrounding the dargah at Thiruparankundram Hill has been ongoing for some time, with different communities claiming rights over the site. The dargah is located near a temple, and there have been tensions between the two communities over the years. However, the court’s order makes it clear that the rights of all communities must be respected, and that the state government must ensure that law and order are maintained.
The state government’s appeal against the court’s order had been seen as an attempt to placate certain sections of the community, but the court’s decision makes it clear that such attempts will not be tolerated. The court’s ruling is a strong affirmation of the principles of secularism and the rule of law, and it sends a clear message that the rights of all citizens will be protected and upheld.
In recent years, there have been several instances of communal tensions and conflicts over religious sites in India. The controversy surrounding the dargah at Thiruparankundram Hill is just one example of the many challenges that the country faces in maintaining communal harmony and upholding the principles of secularism.
However, the court’s decision in this case is a positive development, as it upholds the principles of religious freedom and the right to practice one’s faith without fear of persecution or hindrance. The ruling also sends a strong message to the state government and other authorities that they must respect the rights of all communities and ensure that law and order are maintained.
As India continues to grapple with the challenges of maintaining communal harmony and upholding the principles of secularism, the court’s decision in this case is a significant development. It reaffirms the importance of respecting the rights of all communities and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.
In conclusion, the Madras High Court’s decision to reject the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against the lighting of a holy ‘deep’ near a dargah is a significant development that upholds the principles of religious freedom and the right to practice one’s faith without fear of persecution or hindrance. The ruling sends a strong message to the state government and other authorities that they must respect the rights of all communities and ensure that law and order are maintained.
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