The Madras High Court's Madurai Bench upheld a single judge's order allowing the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the 'Deepathoon' stone pillar atop Thiruparankundram hill. The court dismissed state appeals, calling fears of law and order disturbance an 'imaginary ghost' created for convenience. It directed that only temple representatives, in consultation with the ASI, can light the lamp, with no public participation. The court criticized the government for politicizing the issue and failing to foster harmony.