Hyderabad, Dec. 20 -- The National Mahila President of Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad, Yamuna Pathak, on Friday accused the Tamil Nadu government of "institutional negligence" and "contempt of court" following the death of a 40-year-old man who allegedly self-immolated over the Karthigai Deepam row, saying the incident reflects a failure to uphold devotees' rights despite a clear Madras High Court directive.

A 40-year-old man, Poornachandran, died by self-immolation near a police booth in Madurai on Thursday evening, allegedly protesting the non-lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop Thiruparankundram hill despite a Madras High Court order.

Reacting to this, Pathak criticised the Tamil Nadu government and accused it of negligence in ensuri...