On January 6, 2026, the Madras High Court’s Division Bench upheld an earlier order directing the Subramaniya Swamy Temple management in Thirupparankundram to light the Karthigai Deepam at the 'deepathoon' stone pillar in addition to usual spots. Justices G. Jayachandran and K.K. Ramakrishnan criticized the Tamil Nadu government for claiming law and order issues to block the order, calling it an “imaginary ghost.” The court noted there was no proof against lighting the lamp at the newly identified pillar according to Agama Shastra. It said the deepam is lit at an elevated place so devotees can see and worship. The temple must light the deepam at the 'deepathoon,' and the district administration will oversee the event. Since the temple is a protected monument, the Archaeological Survey of India may set conditions. The bench heard appeals starting December 12, 2025, where the government questioned if the pillar was truly a 'deepathoon.' Senior counsels said the government was complicating matters with no evidence. The judges reserved judgment on December 18, 2025, and gave their decision on January 6, 2026.