Protesters clashed over a court-ordered lamp lighting at a festival in Tamil Nadu, sparking outrage after a man self-immolated.

Protesters in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, clashed over the Santhanakoodu festival's flag-hoisting at Hazrat Sikandar Dargah, demanding the Karthigai Deepam be lit per a Madras High Court order. The festival, approved until January 6, 2026, includes a bull-pulled chariot procession. Tensions escalated after a 40-year-old man, Poornachandran, self-immolated near a police booth, allegedly over the lamp's non-lighting. Police confirmed he left a voice message citing the court directive. His family filed a complaint, prompting a case under Section 194 of the BNSS. The state government had challenged the court order, citing security concerns.