Madras High Court Upholds Thiruparankundram Hill’s Traditional Name, Bans Animal Sacrifice at Dargah
Madurai:
The Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench has settled a long-standing dispute over the name and religious practices associated with Thiruparankundram Hill, reaffirming its traditional identity and issuing new directives concerning worship at the Sikkandar Badusha Dargah and the Nellithoppu area.
In his detailed judgment, Justice Vijayakumar confirmed that the site’s historical and official name is Thiruparankundram Hill, as evidenced by government and archaeological records. The court relied on Gazette notifications from 1908 and 1923, issued under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, which recognise 172.2 acres of the site as protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Citing these records along with a 1920 civil court decree, Justice Vijayakumar stated that referring to the hill as Sikkandar Malai was a “mischievous attempt” to misrepresent its historical and cultural identity.
The court further prohibited animal sacrifices at the Sikkandar Badusha Dargah, observing that there was no documentary proof establishing it as an essential or long-standing religious custom. However, the Dargah administration may approach a civil court to prove such claims if it wishes to assert the practice as a religious right.
In a balanced ruling, the court also permitted Muslims to offer prayers in the Nellithoppu area during Ramzan and Bakrid, but only under specified conditions. Justice Vijayakumar clarified that while 33% of the Nellithoppu area belongs to the Muslim community, the pathway leading to it and the Kasi Vishwanathar Temple at the hilltop remain part of the temple premises and should not be obstructed.
The verdict aims to preserve Thiruparankundram Hill’s historical identity while ensuring peaceful coexistence among communities through clear boundaries on religious practices and property rights.
