Wed Dec 03 21:01:03 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has initiated contempt of court proceedings against the Dindigul Collector and Superintendent of Police for defying a court order that permitted a Hindu community to celebrate the Karthigai Dheepam festival at a site in Perumal Kovilpatti. The Collector had issued prohibitory orders citing potential unrest, but Justice G R Swaminathan strongly criticized this action, emphasizing the fundamental right of the Hindu community to celebrate their religious festival in a historically recognized location. The judge highlighted the importance of upholding citizens’ rights and accused the authorities of using public order concerns as a pretext to suppress legitimate religious practices. He summoned the officials to appear before the court to explain their actions.
News Article:
Dindigul Officials Face Contempt Charges for Blocking Hindu Festival After Court Order
MADURAI, Dec. 4, 2025 – The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has summoned the Dindigul District Collector, S. Saravanan, and Superintendent of Police, A. Pradeep, to answer to contempt of court charges after they allegedly defied a court order permitting the Karthigai Dheepam festival to take place in Perumal Kovilpatti.
Justice G R Swaminathan sharply criticized the officials for issuing prohibitory orders that effectively blocked the festival, despite the court’s explicit permission granted on December 2nd. The case arose from a petition by V. Sithan Balraj, who sought permission to conduct the festival at Mandu Kovil, near the Kaliamman temple.
The district administration cited a “volatile situation” as the reason for the ban, however, Justice Swaminathan countered that the Hindu community, being a minority in the village, was simply seeking to exercise its fundamental right to religious expression. He emphasized the historical recognition of the festival site and the lack of any conflicting claims from the majority Christian community.
“The order of the court was not only not complied with but brazenly defied,” the judge stated, adding, “The Executive cannot sit in judgment over the court order.” He further warned against using public order concerns as a justification for suppressing legitimate rights.
The court issued statutory notice to the officials and has scheduled a hearing for later today, December 4th. The judge expressed grave concern over the incident, calling it “a sad day for the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court and a sadder day for the Rule of Law.”
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