Deepam row: Setback for TN as HC Bench declines to stay contempt proceedings before single judge

Chennai, Dec. 16 -- In a setback for the DMK government, a Division Bench of Madras High Court has refused to stay the contempt proceedings before a single judge with regard to the non-compliance of lighting 'Karthigai Deepam' at a stone pillar atop the Thiruparankundram hillock, adjoining a 14th century dargah, claimed to be 'deepathoon', pillar for lighting deepam.

Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan, hearing a batch of appeals challenging the December 1 order of Justice GR Swaminathan, directing lighting of deepam at the stone pillar declined to stay the contempt proceedings before the single judge. The Bench also rejected the plea to exempt the Chief Secretary and the Additional DGP from personal appearance and directed to appr...