Tensions erupted at Thiruparankundram hill as temple authorities defied a court order to light a lamp, leading to scuffles and police intervention.

Chennai/Bengaluru: A tense standoff at the Thiruparankundram hill on Wednesday ended with the Karthigai Deepam being lit at its traditional spot, defying a Madras High Court order to light the lamp at a contested hilltop pillar.

Despite a directive from Justice GR Swaminathan to light the lamp at the “Deepathoon” — an ancient stone pillar — by 6pm, temple authorities lit it at the usual Uchipillaiyar temple mandapam. The defiance triggered a major controversy and resulted in a scuffle between police and right-wing activists, leaving one policeman injured.

The state government decided to challenge the court’s directive, citing concerns over l

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