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 comes after the state government had appealed against the earlier order, citing concerns over potential law and order issues. However, the court was not convinced with the government’s arguments and observed that the appeal was filed with an ulterior motive.
The controversy began when a group of devotees sought permission to light a holy ‘deep’ near the dargah located at the foot of the Thiruparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu. The dargah is a revered shrine for Muslims, and the devotees wanted to light the ‘deep’ as part of their religious rituals. However, the state government had opposed the move, citing concerns over potential communal tensions.
The court had earlier directed the authorities to allow the devotees to light the ‘deep’ near the dargah, but the state government had appealed against the order. The government had argued that lighting the ‘deep’ near the dargah could lead to law and order issues and disturb the communal harmony in the area.
However, the court was not convinced with the government’s arguments and observed that the appeal was filed with an ulterior motive. The court said that the government’s appeal was not based on genuine concerns over law and order, but was rather an attempt to appease a particular section of the community.
The court’s decision is significant, as it upholds the right of devotees to practice their religion without fear of persecution or harassment. The court’s observation that the government’s appeal was filed with an ulterior motive is also a strong indictment of the state government’s actions.
It is worth noting that the diya was not lit at the place after the court’s direction and was instead lit at another spot. This move was seen as an attempt by the authorities to bypass the court’s order and avoid any potential controversy.
The Madras High Court’s decision is a welcome move, as it promotes communal harmony and upholds the principles of secularism. The court’s observation that the government’s appeal was filed with an ulterior motive is also a reminder that the state government should not attempt to appease a particular section of the community at the expense of others.
In recent years, there have been several instances of communal tensions and clashes in Tamil Nadu, and the state government has been criticized for its handling of these situations. The court’s decision is a reminder that the state government should prioritize communal harmony and ensure that the rights of all citizens are protected.
The court’s decision is also a testament to the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. The court’s ability to take a strong stance against the state government’s actions is a reminder that the judiciary is a powerful check on the executive and will not hesitate to uphold the rule of law.
In conclusion, the Madras High Court’s decision to reject the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against lighting a holy ‘deep’ near a dargah is a significant development. The court’s observation that the government’s appeal was filed with an ulterior motive is a strong indictment of the state government’s actions, and the decision promotes communal harmony and upholds the principles of secularism.
The court’s decision is a reminder that the state government should prioritize communal harmony and ensure that the rights of all citizens are protected. The decision is also a testament to the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, and a reminder that the judiciary will not hesitate to uphold the rule of law.
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