According to the plea, the High Court created this obligation despite the devotees failing to produce temple records, inscriptions, Agama texts, archival material, HR&CE records or earlier judicial findings establishing such a custom.
As per the appeal, the Karthigai Deepam has been lit for more than 150 years at the Deepa Mandapam only near the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple, located partway up the hill, and not the stone pillar.
The Department has argued that a devotee’s right to worship under Article 25 of the Constitution does not include a right to impose changes in the rituals followed by a public temple.
It has also invoked Articles 25 and 26 to contend that courts cannot interfere with a religious institution’s autonomy in matters concerning rituals, festivals and ceremonial practices.
According to the plea, the High Court created this obligation despite the devotees failing to produce temple records, inscriptions, Agama texts, archival material, HR&CE records or earlier judicial findings establishing such a custom.
As per the appeal, the Karthigai Deepam has been lit for more than 150 years at the Deepa Mandapam only near the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple, located partway up the hill, and not the stone pillar.
The Department has argued that a devotee’s right to worship under Article 25 of the Constitution does not include a right to impose changes in the rituals followed by a public temple.
It has also invoked Articles 25 and 26 to contend that courts cannot interfere with a religious institution’s autonomy in matters concerning rituals, festivals and ceremonial practices.
