News

As tensions over the deepasthoon issue eased in Madurai, devotees were allowed to visit both the Kasi Viswanathar Temple and the Sikkandar Dargah at Thiruparankundram hill, though access near the deepasthoon site remained restricted. The move followed judicial intervention and heightened police deployment to maintain communal harmony.

Key Points

1. Issue background: Tensions arose over the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at a deepasthoon (sacred pillar) located near the dargah.
2. Judicial role: The Madras High Court quashed the prohibitory order restricting movement but allowed the administration to regulate access.
3. Police action: Madurai City Police permitted controlled entry to both the temple and dargah while preventing access close to the deepasthoon.
4. Communal sensitivity: Authorities aimed to avoid escalation amid protests by political and religious groups.
5. Festival context: The decision came ahead of Santhanakoodu and Karthigai Deepam observances.

Static Info (Prelims Notes)

1. Deepasthoon: A pillar traditionally used for lighting ceremonial lamps during festivals like Karthigai Deepam.
2. Article 25 (Indian Constitution): Guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion subject to public order.
3. Preventive powers: Section 144 CrPC empowers authorities to impose prohibitory orders to prevent breach of peace.
4. Judicial balance: Courts often uphold administrative restrictions when required to maintain public order and communal harmony.
5. Thiruparankundram: A prominent religious hill in Madurai associated with both Hindu and Islamic places of worship.

Prelims MCQ

Q1. With reference to the recent deepasthoon issue in Madurai, consider the following statements:

1. A deepasthoon is associated with ceremonial lamp-lighting during festivals like Karthigai Deepam.
2. The Madras High Court completely prohibited devotees from visiting the temple and dargah.
3. Administrative restrictions on religious practices can be imposed in the interest of public order.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b) 1 and 3 only