New Delhi’s Supreme Court has put its stamp of approval on the Madras High Court’s pragmatic approach to the Thiruparankundram hill controversy in Madurai. Dismissing a plea for intervention, the top court praised the order as ‘balanced’ amid debates over Muslim prayer rights in the Nallithoppu zone.
At the heart of the matter is a hillock central to Hindu worship, featuring ancient Murugan temple, alongside a dargah. The High Court permitted namaz solely during Ramadan and Bakrid, while banning animal sacrifices—a move triggered by petitions highlighting violations during rituals.
Petitioner M. Imam Hussain, through Prashant Bhushan, urged the Supreme Court to overturn the restrictions. Citing historical judgments affirming Muslim ownership of 33 cents of land, Bhushan called the limitations an assault on religious freedoms.
The bench, however, found no grounds for meddling. It emphasized the High Court’s consideration of multi-faith sensitivities in this shared sacred space. The verdict ensures the status quo persists, with prayers confined to festive periods.
Background reveals escalating frictions. A January single-judge order halted meat-related activities at the dargah, responding to allegations of animal slaughter and non-veg feasts disrupting the hill’s tranquility. These curbs apply specifically during festival times.
As Tamil Nadu watches closely, this Supreme Court nod signals judicial restraint in inter-community land and worship disputes. It balances devouts’ rights while preventing escalation, though petitioners hint at future legal avenues. The decision could influence how courts handle analogous religious flashpoints across India.