In connection with the row over the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at a pillar on the Thirupparankundram hills last December, Madurai Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar, Commissioner of Madurai City Police J. Loganathan and others have tendered an unconditional apology following initiation of contempt of judiciary proceedings by the judge.
The Collector, in an affidavit, informed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that he had passed the prohibitory orders on December 3, 2025, taking into account the ground situation in Thirupparankundram and to maintain law and order.
The other contemnors: Executive Officer of Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Thirupparankundram, Yagna Narayanan; and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Madurai South) A.G. Inigo Divyan, filed similar affidavits, tendering an unconditional apology before the court.
Representing the officials, senior counsel V. Giri said the Collector had passed the prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, taking into account the ground situation. People from Hindu outfits had started pouring in. To keep the situation under control, the prohibitory orders had been passed after receiving inputs. There was no intention to disobey the court orders, it was submitted.
