Madurai Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar and Madurai City Police Commissioner J. Loganathan have apologized unconditionally to the Madras High Court over the prohibitory orders issued during the Karthigai Deepam festival last December at Thirupparankundram hills. The apology came after contempt of court proceedings were started by the judge. The Collector explained in an affidavit that the prohibitory orders, passed on December 3, 2025, were made to maintain law and order due to the increasing crowd of Hindu groups in the area. Other officials, including Executive Officer Yagna Narayanan of Subramaniya Swamy Temple and Deputy Commissioner of Police A.G. Inigo Divyan, also filed similar affidavits apologizing to the court. Senior counsel V. Giri said the orders were based on ground reports and there was no intent to disobey the court's previous orders. However, Justice G.R. Swaminathan, hearing the contempt case, questioned how the Collector could pass orders that seemed to frustrate the court directives. The judge referred to a report quoting a police officer willing to face legal consequences, which the State denied issuing deliberately. The court has allowed the Collector to file an additional affidavit explaining his actions by March 2. Contempt proceedings against the Collector have been split, while the other officials were excused from appearing in court. Previously, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam's affidavit was taken on record. The Collector and Deputy Commissioner stated they acted independently, without external pressure. The court expressed concern that although the prohibitory order was quashed, court orders were not fully implemented.