CHENNAI: A few hours after the judgment was pronounced in the Thiruparankundram Deepam case, State minister for Natural Resources S Regupathy on Tuesday said the State government would approach the apex court challenging the verdict of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, the minister said the judges should have examined all relevant documents related to the Thiruparankundram Deepam row before delivering the judgment. He termed the verdict "unlawful" and alleged that an "unprecedented practice" has been permitted through the court's order.

"The Tamil Nadu government and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department will approach the Supreme Court of India against the judgment, as it goes against the sentiments of the people," he said.

Accusing the petitioner of failing to substantiate the claims, Regupathy said no documentary evidence had been produced to prove that a ‘deepam’ had been lit atop Thiruparankundram hill for the past 100 years. He added that there was no historical proof to validate such assertions.

Alleging political motives, the minister said the BJP, which rules at the Centre, was attempting to create confusion by raking up the issue. "The BJP is trying to provoke communal tension through such matters," he alleged.

Appealing to the public, Regupathy said the people of Tamil Nadu should never allow "riot politics" to take root in the State.