Fri Dec 05 09:49:48 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The Lok Sabha was disrupted on December 5, 2025, due to a dispute over the lighting of a traditional lamp (‘Karthigai Deepam’) at a hilltop temple near Madurai, Tamil Nadu. DMK leader T.R. Baalu accused the BJP of inciting communal tensions by supporting the lighting of the lamp at a stone pillar (‘Deepathoon’) near a dargah, following a Madras High Court order permitting it. Union Minister L. Murugan (BJP) countered, accusing the Tamil Nadu government of denying the right to worship to Hindu devotees and arresting those attempting to light the lamp. The Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal by the Tamil Nadu government challenging the High Court order. The High Court had previously ruled that the temple was obligated to light the lamp and that doing so wouldn’t infringe on the rights of the adjacent dargah or the Muslim community.
News Article:
Parliament Disrupted Over Temple Lamp Dispute in Tamil Nadu
New Delhi – December 5, 2025 – Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were thrown into disarray today as a heated debate erupted over the lighting of a traditional ‘Karthigai Deepam’ lamp at the Thirupparankundram hillock near Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The controversy revolves around a stone lamp pillar (‘Deepathoon’) located near a dargah and a Madras High Court order permitting devotees to light the lamp.
DMK leader T.R. Baalu accused the BJP of deliberately stirring communal tensions in Tamil Nadu, alleging the High Court judge who authorized the lighting of the lamp held a biased ideology. He questioned whether the right to light the lamp should rest with the Hindu Religious Endowment Board or with individuals acting on a court judgment.
Union Minister L. Murugan, a BJP leader, strongly refuted the DMK’s claims, accusing the Tamil Nadu government of denying Hindu devotees their right to worship and unlawfully arresting individuals attempting to light the lamp in accordance with the High Court order. He stated that the Tamil Nadu police had even arrested the state BJP President.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned Baalu’s remarks as casting aspersions on the judiciary and requested the remarks be removed from the record.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging the Madras High Court’s decision. The High Court previously upheld a single-judge order stating the Arulmighu Subramaniya Swamy Temple was duty-bound to light the lamp at the Deepathoon, in addition to the customary lighting near the Uchi Pillaiyar Mandapam, and that doing so would not encroach on the rights of the adjacent dargah or the Muslim community. The disagreement highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding religious practices and land use in the region.
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