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DMK Accuses Justice GR Swaminathan of Constitutional Violation, Seeks Impeachment Over Lamp Order
DMK senior leader TKS Elangovan said MPs from the INDI Alliance have sought the impeachment of Madras High Court judge Justice GR Swaminathan, alleging that he violated constitutional principles and judicial discipline in the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam lamp case.
Speaking to India Today, Elangovan said Justice Swaminathan deviated from established legal procedure by overturning a 2014 two-judge bench ruling that upheld long-standing temple practice regarding where the festival lamp should be lit. He argued that a single-judge bench cannot contradict such a precedent and accused the judge of acting “deliberately” and siding with religious groups rather than maintaining neutrality.
Elangovan said the DMK would present a detailed case when the impeachment notice is discussed in Parliament. He also defended the Tamil Nadu government’s refusal to implement the order, stating that lighting the lamp is the temple administration’s responsibility—not that of political parties. Allowing political groups to “parade” for the ritual, he said, was inappropriate and disrespectful to the sanctity of the event.
Addressing actor-politician Pawan Kalyan’s allegation of “selective outrage”, Elangovan said any party with MPs can move an impeachment notice. “Who is stopping them?” he remarked, adding that the DMK would fully explain its position once the motion is formally taken up.
The controversy stems from Justice Swaminathan’s 2025 order directing that the Karthigai Deepam should be lit at the ancient stone pillar (the “Deepathoon”) near a Sufi dargah on Thiruparankundram Hill—an order that reignited long-standing religious and political tensions.
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Published: Dec 10, 2025
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