Justice G. R. Swaminathan of the Madras High Court, Madurai Bench, on January 9, 2026, said charges would be framed on February 2 against officials who ignored the court's order on the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam lighting. The contemnors had enough chances but did not explain why contempt proceedings should not start. The contemnors include Madurai Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar, Madurai Police Commissioner J. Loganathan, Subramaniya Swamy Temple's Executive Officer Yagna Narayanan, and Deputy Commissioner of Police A.G. Inigo Divyan. The Tamil Nadu government told the court that appeals against the contempt notice are pending before the Division Bench and asked for more time. The court noted an affidavit from Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam. The Collector and Deputy Commissioner said they acted on their own, not under anyone's orders. The judge reminded that on December 1, 2025, the court allowed lighting the Karthigai Deepam atop the hill. The temple authorities did not follow this order. Mr. Praveen Kumar issued a prohibitory order to block it, which the court later canceled. Despite this, Mr. Inigo Divyan tried to stop the court's order execution. The Division Bench on January 6 upheld the initial court order, confirming the deepathoon area belongs to the temple. However, during the Sandhanakoodu festival, Dargah officials tied a flag on a tree there without temple permission. Executive Officer Yagna Narayanan admitted this was a "rank criminal trespass" and promised to file a complaint and follow up for prosecution. The matter is next scheduled for hearing on February 2.