HC flays govt, tells petitioner to light deepam under CISF security

'Disobeying court order would sound death knell for democracy,' says Justice G R Swaminathan, also issues statutory notice to Dindigul collector for prohibitory order in village

- JEGADEESWARI PANDIAN @ Madurai

Hindu outfits staged a protest near the path that leads to the hilltop, pressing to light the lamp atop the Thiruparankundram hill on Wednesday

(K K SUNDAR)

CRITICISING the noncompliance of its order directing the executive officer of the Subramaniya Swamy temple to light the Karthigai Deepam at the 'Deepathoon' atop Thiruparankundram hill in addition to the usual places, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court permitted the petitioner to light the lamp at the Deepathoon under the protection of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) attached to the HC bench.

The state government has moved an appeal against the order, which is expected to be heard on Thursday.