On January 6, the Madras High Court gave a clear verdict on the Thiruparankundram hill issue. The court said a ceremonial lamp can be lit on top of the hill near the dargah. It rejected the Tamil Nadu government’s objections and criticised officials for exaggerating law and order fears. The judges said there was no proof that lighting the lamp would hurt peace or religious practice. So what exactly is this issue, and why has it sparked such a long dispute?