Government officials cannot cite law and order to flout court orders, Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court said on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) while hearing two contempt of court cases, including one related to the Thirupparankundram deepam row.
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The judge was dissatisfied with the explanation given by Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, who appeared via video conferencing. “When a court issues an order, unless it is stayed or set aside by a higher forum, it has to be obeyed. Of course, there could be cases where a judicial order cannot be implemented. I can conceive of such situations. But law and order cannot be a ground for flouting a court’s order.”
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“That would be inexcusable. That would amount to breakdown of law and order. That would lead to paralysis of the constitutional machinery,” the judge said.
