Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 5: In a significant development regarding the consecration ceremony of the historic Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to interfere with an order passed by the Madras High Court. The top court upheld the High Court’s decision to form a committee for determining the schedule of the Kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony).

The apex court bench, comprising Justices P.K. Mishra and A.G. Masih, observed that the petitioner — the Vidhayahar of the temple — had already taken part in the proceedings of the said committee and therefore could approach the High Court with a review petition if dissatisfied.

Senior advocate K. Parameshwar, representing the petitioner, argued before the bench that the constitution of the committee undermines traditional religious practices and temple customs. He contended that only the petitioner, belonging to a family traditionally vested with such religious responsibilities, had the authority to decide on the ceremonial schedule.

“The fixing of a mahurat (auspicious time) is strictly a religious matter, not subject to administrative regulation,” the counsel maintained, while claiming that the committee’s formation enabled undue state interference in sacred rituals.

The plea further alleged bias in the panel's constitution, stating that three of its five members had already expressed opinions aligning with the state authorities’ stance, thereby compromising neutrality.

The petitioner also highlighted the temple’s spiritual significance, calling it one of the six major abodes of Lord Karthikeya in Tamil Nadu, and said the High Court erred by forming a panel instead of directly adjudicating on his constitutional right to religious autonomy.

The Supreme Court, while not granting relief, permitted the petitioner to seek a review of the High Court’s decision, leaving the matter open for further judicial scrutiny.