CHENNAI: VCK president and Lok Sabha MP Thol Thirumavalavan on Wednesday said the verdict of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in the Tiruparankundram issue had eroded public confidence in the judiciary and was contrary to the Constitution.
He cautioned that the ruling could disturb Tamil Nadu's communal harmony and urged the State government to file an appeal.
In a statement, Thirumavalavan said Karthigai Deepam had traditionally been lit near the Pillaiyar temple at Tiruparankundram, and that earlier court rulings had recognised this practice.
Despite this, he alleged, a demand by divisive elements to light the lamp on a pillar near the dargah was accepted, without legal basis.
He said the present verdict merely reiterated an earlier single judge order without establishing that the pillar near the dargah had historically been used for lighting the lamp.
Though the 170-page judgment cited Saiva texts and doctrines, it failed to provide any evidence to show that the disputed pillar was traditionally meant for the ritual.
In a statement, Thirumavalavan said Karthigai Deepam had traditionally been lit near the Pillaiyar temple at Tiruparankundram, and that earlier court rulings had recognised this practice. Despite this, he alleged, a demand by divisive elements to light the lamp on a pillar near the dargah was accepted, without legal basis.
He said the present verdict merely reiterated an earlier single judge order without establishing that the pillar near the dargah had historically been used for lighting the lamp. Though the 170-page judgment cited Saiva texts and doctrines, it failed to provide any evidence to show that the disputed pillar was traditionally meant for the ritual.
Thirumavalavan also expressed concern over inconsistent submissions made by lawyers representing the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and said the State must clearly articulate its position in the appeal.
Warning against a growing trend of verdicts based on belief rather than law and evidence, he said the ruling undermined the constitutional principle of secularism.
He called on democratic and secular forces to unite to safeguard peace, people's unity and communal harmony in Tamil Nadu.