The Deepam row erupted after Madras High Court Justice GR Swaminathan permitted devotees to light the Karthigai Deepam lamp atop a pillar on Thiruparankundram hill near Madurai, which is near a dargah. DMK-led Tamil Nadu government defied this order, citing communal harmony concerns, News18 reported. More than 100 Opposition MPs even submitted notice to remove Justice Swaminathan over the order.