‘Exclusive rights over temple rituals’, TN defends defying HC order in SC

Tamil Nadu’s DMK government sought an urgent Supreme Court hearing on its appeal against the Madras High Court’s order allowing the ‘Karthigai Deepam’ lighting atop Thiruparankundram hills. The state claims exclusive rights over temple rituals, defying the HC’s directives. The SC acknowledged the plea but offered no immediate assurance for an early listing.