New Delhi, Feb. 9 -- The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the Madras High Court's October 2025 judgment restricting religious practices at the Nellithoppu area atop the Thirupparankundram hills in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.

Upholding the High Court's ruling, the apex court held that Muslims are entitled to offer prayers at the Sikandar Badusha Avuliya Dargah only on the occasions of Ramzan and Bakri-Id, and not on a daily basis. The Court also affirmed the prohibition on animal sacrifice within the Dargah premises.

The appeal before the Supreme Court was filed by M Imam Hussain, a worshipper at the Dargah, challenging the High Court's decision despite its recognition that the Nellithoppu area--measuring 33 cents--is own...