Low pressure weakens, but heavy rain in Tamil Nadu may persist

CHENNAI: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) said on Tuesday that the low-pressure area lying over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, off North Tamil Nadu and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh coasts, is weak and unlikely to develop into a depression. However, heavy rains are expected in the north coastal districts, southern districts, and western ghats districts over the next four days. In the last 24 hours, heavy rainfall was recorded at isolated places in the state. Perungudi in Chennai recorded the highest rainfall of 8cm in 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday. Alandur, Meenambakkam, Adyar, Alandur and YMCA Nandanam in Chennai recorded 6cm each during the same period. From October 1 till date, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry region have received 256 cm of rainfall, which is 1% lower than the usual 259 cm. According to official forecast, heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar and Madurai districts on Wednesday and Thursday. Additionally, on Thursday, heavy rain is expected in Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, and Theni districts, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal areas. On Friday, heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur districts and the Karaikal area. Following overnight rain in Chennai, waterlogging was reported at Perambur, Old Mahabalipuram Road and Teynampet on Tuesday morning. During clearing work, a corporation vehicle overturned after hitting a pothole on Chinna Porur Road in Valasaravakkam, causing traffic disruption. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected the Integrated Command and Control Centre to monitor the precautionary measures undertaken ahead of the northeast monsoon. A total of 1,194 motor pumps, 158 super sucker machines, and 524 jet rodding machines are ready, 21% more than what was used during October rains, he said. About 329 relief centres and 120 food preparation centers have also been set up, he said. Udhayanaidhi visited the 24-hour state emergency operation centre at Chepauk. Following this, the minister inspected the Okkiyam Maduvu channel in Sholinganallur. He said that to ensure that floodwaters flow smoothly from the Pallikaranai marshland to reach the Buckingham Canal, work is underway to widen the waterway. Once this is completed, the width of the path will increase from 80 metres to 130 metres. Officials explained that this expansion will allow water flow capacity to increase from 7,000 cubic feet to 12,000 cubic feet.

Madurai Bench reserves orders on actor Kasthuris anticipatory bail petition

Wheel of TNSTC bus gets stuck in pit in Madurai

Theni-Devakottai bus got stranded on Vaigai North Bank Road for nearly one hour; police had to divert traffic movement

Actress Kasthuri Shankar Goes Missing After Case Filed Against Her Controversial Remarks: Report

Due to her remarks, several legal cases have been lodged against the actress in Chennai and Madurai.

No truck with BJP ever: AIADMK

CHENNAI: AIADMK Organising Secretary D Jayakumar on Monday asserted the AIADMK will never have any electoral alliance with the BJP. This is the partys firm decision and AIADMK will stand by it, he said. Speaking to reporters, Jayakumar explained that the remark made by the partys general secretary Edappadi K Palnaiswami in Tiruchy was given a twist and made a point of debate. When asked whether the AIADMK was ready to align with the BJP, Palaniswami had told reporters in Tiruchy on Sunday that the party wants to unite like-minded parties to bring down the DMK government and a decision on alliance will be taken closer to the poll in 2026. The comment had triggered speculation about whether the AIADMK is reconsidering its decision to stay off BJP and if EPS is hinting at the possibility of the Dravidian major joining hands with the saffron party. After reiterating the partys position on alliance, Jayakumar said there was no need for the AIADMK to have a tacit relationship with the BJP, but the ruling DMK is in fact in a clandestine relationship with the BJP. Meanwhile, on Monday, Palaniswami held discussions with the 10-member field inspection committee composed of senior leaders to assess the functioning of the grassroots-level units of the party. Sources said Palaniswami had given clear instructions on the issues to be covered by the committee and also asked the committee to give an impartial assessment of the functioning of the party units so that corrective measures and steps for improvement could be taken. The committee has been split into five teams and was asked to submit its report by December 7. The first team comprising KP Munusamy and B Valarmathi will visit 14 party districts in Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Ranipet, Dharmapuri, Perambalur and Ariyalur revenue districts. The team comprising Dindigul C Sreenivasan and P Thangamani will cover 17 party districts in Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchy, Karur, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai and Dindigul revenue districts. Similarly, the team comprising Natham R Viswanathan, and S Semmalai will visit 14 party districts in Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Theni, and Virudhunagar revenue districts. The team of SP Velumani and Varahur Arunachalam will meet the functionaries in 14 party districts in Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari revenue districts. The team comprising D Jayakumar and CVe Shanmugam will visit 14 party districts in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Kallakurichi revenue districts. Govt deployed students instead of staff: EPS Chennai: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has criticised the state governments decision to deploy agriculture college students, instead of revenue officials, to gather data on farmers, crops and irrigation facilities for the digitalisation of information. He said the task is being carried out following the instructions of the union government and the centre has allocated Rs 1,940 crore for this.

Heavy rain likely in Chennai and delta districts till November 15

CHENNAI: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) on Monday said that heavy rain may lash Chennai, its surrounding districts and parts of delta districts till Friday. According to the RMC, under the influence of upper air cyclonic circulation over southwest Bay of Bengal, a low-pressure area has formed over the region on Monday afternoon. It is likely to move slowly westwards towards Tamil Nadu/Sri Lanka coasts. As per the forecast, heavy rain is possible in isolated places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram and Villupuram districts, and Puducherry and Karaikal regions till November 15. This apart, heavy rains are expected in isolated places in Ranipet, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga and Thoothukudi districts from Wednesday to Friday. A similar forecast has been issued for Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, and Dindigul districts for Thursday and Friday. In addition, The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Tirupur districts are likely to receive heavy rain on Thursday, while Vellore is expected to experience heavy rainfall on Friday. In areas for which heavy rainfall is predicted, a yellow alert has been issued and the rainfall is expected to be around 7 to 11 cm. In a separate forecast for Chennai, the RMC said that the condition is likely to be partly cloudy. Moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning is likely to occur in some areas. Maximum temperature is likely to be 32-33C and minimum temperature is likely to be around 25C, it added. Meanwhile, independent weather bloggers said that northern TN districts and delta districts can expect to get good rainfall this week. They added that heaviest spell might be on Tuesday and it could rain up to 20 cm in four days. A low-pressure area is expected to form in the next 24 hours gradually from Monday night and rains are expected to return over north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh, including Chennai. This week promises to bring good rains as the northeast monsoon gets active, said independent weather blogger K Srikanth in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

I-T Dept. to conduct outreach programme in Madurai on Nov. 13

Heavy rain likely for Chennai and other TN districts until Friday

CHENNAI: The Regional Meteorological Centre on Monday said that heavy rains are likely to lash Chennai and its surrounding districts and parts of delta districts among others till Friday. RMC said that cyclonic circulation over southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to develop into a low pressure area within Tuesday causing the rains. As per the forecast, heavy rains are possible in isolated places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram and Villuppuram districts, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal, until November 15. This apart, heavy rains are expected in isolated places in Ranipet, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga and Thoothukudi districts from Wednesday to Friday. The same forecast is given for Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Dindigul districts on Thursday and Friday. In addition, The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Tiruppur districts are likely to receive heavy rain on Thursday, while Vellore is expected to experience heavy rainfall on Friday.

Tamil writer Indira Soundar Rajan falls at his house, passes away at 65

MADURAI/CHENNAI: Tamil novelist and short story writer Indira Soundar Rajan (P. Soundararajan), well known for his mystery and supernatural stories, passed away after accidentally slipping and falling inside his house in TVS Nagar on Sunday morning. He was 65. Sources said the author had been suffering from several health-related ailments. Soundar Rajan is survived by his wife, Radha, and two daughters. Soundar Rajans widely recognized work in Marmadesam (Land of Mystery) a Tamil mystery anthology television show brought his literary writings to the forefront in 1996. Inspired by the success of the show, the author pursued the supernatural genre and went on to pen hundreds of short stories, several novels, scripts for television shows, and screenplays for a few films. A native of Salem, he had worked with the TVS Group of Companies and later contributed to the companys in-house magazine for several years. Over the next three decades, he penned numerous notable works under the pseudonym Indira, which he chose from his mothers name. Most of his narratives dealt with themes of the supernatural, divine intervention, and reincarnation. He had said that his childhood fascination with mysteries and the supernatural inspired him to write such stories. Though renowned for a specific genre, the author also explored societal issues in his works. Of these, he had said that Ranga Nadhi and Athipookal brought him the most fulfillment. CM expresses condolences Chief Minister M. K. Stalin offered deep condolences to the family members of Indira Soundar Rajan on Sunday. In his message, Stalin praised the authors literary contributions and his skill in blending history with contemporary themes.

Madras High Court orders action plan to stop sewage flow into Thamirabarani river

TIRUNELVELI: Coming down heavily on officials over ineffective water treatment systems, Justices G.R. Swaminathan and B. Pugalendhi of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, after inspecting multiple locations along the Thamirabarani River, ordered Collector K.P. Karthikeyan to submit a comprehensive action plan within a week to stop the flow of sewage into the river. During the inspection of locations where the Tirunelveli Corporation discharges untreated sewage into the river, Amicus Curiae T. Arul informed the judges that the Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) built at various locations along the riverbed were ineffective. In response, Corporation Commissioner N.O. Sukhaputra stated that the administration would construct a mini sewage treatment plant to prevent sewage from mixing with the river until all phases of the underground sewage system (UGSS) are completed. Corpn hastily cleans Thamirabarani river banks ahead of HC judges' inspection The judges questioned the delay in completing the UGSS and expressed concern over the alarming situation in the Thamirabarani River. In a statement, the civic body explained, The Tirunelveli Corporation covers an area of 108 sq. km and serves a population of about 5.65 lakh. In 2007, the corporation completed Phase 1 of the UGSS, providing connections to 27,322 households. Waste from these households is currently treated at the 24-MLD Ramayanpatti STP. Phase 2 of the UGSS is scheduled for completion by March 2025, and Phase 3 by September 2025. Once operational, treated water from the Ramayanpatti STP will be supplied to industries in SIPCOT. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) classifies the Thamirabarani River as Grade B, meaning that the water needs treatment before it is safe for drinking. The judges carried out the inspection as part of a hearing in a case filed by writer Kamarasu from Muthalankurichi in 2018. Local MP C. Robert Bruce and other officials were also present.

Ayacutdars of Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga to get water for irrigation from Vaigai dam

Cake-mixing ceremony ushers in the Christmas spirit in Madurai

Chennai and Madurai will be the venues if TN hosts junior mens hockey world cup - The Hindu

Chennai and Madurai will be the venues if TN hosts junior mens hockey world cup The Hindu

Master of supernatural themes, Tamil writer Indira Soundararajan dies

Indira Soundararajan, a renowned Tamil novelist and screenwriter known for his work on the supernatural thriller series Marmadesam, passed away at 65. He was found dead in his Madurai residence on Sunday. Soundararajan, celebrated for his exploration of mystical and supernatural themes, was also a recipient of the Tamil Nadu state award for his novel En Peyar Ranganayaki.

Infinx sets up state-of-the-art centre in Madurai; to create 700 jobs

The facility would support the company's mission of optimising revenue cycle processes for US-based healthcare providers

Minister R Lalitha inaugurates textile marketing centre at Puthiyamputhur

THOOTHUKUDI: Director of Textiles R Lalitha inaugurated a textile marketing centre in Puthiyamputhur, a hub for readymade garment industries in Thoothukudi, in the presence of Collector K Elambahavath, Ottapidaram MLA MC Shanmugaiah and other officials. The director held a consultation meeting with members of the association to establish a market at the private land. He checked with officials of the stake holding departments about the available lands under the 'meichal porambokke' and HR&CE temple lands in Puthiyamputhur, and nearby villages such as Jambulingampuram and Saminatham. Lalitha also discussed implementing the project under the 'Namakku Naame' scheme, on behalf of the rural development and panchayat raj department. Lalitha said that the textile industry has been a leading job provider only second to agriculture in rural areas. Tamil Nadu has a major stake in the country's production of textile goods like garments, readymade dresses and home textiles. The state had considered the petition of Ottapidaram MLA Shanmugaiah submitted to 'Ungal Thoguthiyil Mudalamaichar' scheme, she said. The officials led by the collector, and Lalitha took a glimpse of the readymade garment units, manufacturing process, designs, raw material supply, distribution methods, labourers, and wages provided by the Puthiyamputhur garment producers, distributors associations, and also visited the land under HR&CE and other porambokke lands for constructing a textile marketing centre. DRO S Ajay Seenivasan, Ottapidaram panchayat union chairman L Ramesh, Madurai Regional Deputy Director of Textile Department K Thiruvasagar, District Industrial Centre (DIC) General Manager Swarnalatha, Mahalir Thittam Project Director Malliga, and other officials were present.

Madras High Court quashes plaint against accused in exorbitant interest case

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court quashed the criminal proceedings against an accused in an exorbitant interest act case. Justice N Anand Venkatesh was hearing a petition filed by RP Ganesh alias Kothanar Ganeshan, one of the five accused in a case booked by the Cumbum South police in 2017 on charges of insisting Ilangovan (the defacto complainant) to pay exorbitant interest. Ganeshan had sought quashing of the proceeding against him in the Judicial Magistrate Court in Uthamapalayam, terming it illegal. Ilangovan took a loan from the petitioner and other accused, who insisted he pay exorbitant interest. Based on his complaint, an FIR was registered under sections of the IPC and Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Charging Exorbitant Interest Act, 2003, on June 21, 2017. The final report was filed before the district court. When the quash petition was listed in the high court, Ilangovan was served notices but there was no appearance either in person or through a counsel till the case disposal, the court observed. On examining Ilangovans statement to the police, the court noticed that he had made vague allegations against the petitioner. A debtor, to claim benefit under the TN Prohibition of Charging Exorbitant Interest Act, must first deposit the money in respect of the loan received by him with interest in line with Section 5(1) of the Act. Once the debtor does this, his bona fides can be assessed, the court observed. Further, the court said a vague allegation does not constitute an offence. The court felt the criminal proceedings against the petitioner resulted in abuse of the process of law. Hence, the court quashed the proceedings against him in the JM court.

CM Stalin calls for better infrastructure, green measures at cracker units

VIRUDHUNAGAR: Chief Minister MK Stalin advised officials to strengthen the safety infrastructure at all cracker units in the district and maintain a green environment, after inspecting a cracker unit in Kanniseripudhur village on day one of his two-day visit to Virudhunagar, on Saturday. During his visit to Madhan Fireworks, Stalin inspected the chemical storage room, storage room and cracker manufacturing rooms. He also reviewed the cracker unit's explosives licence. Among the 80 workers in the unit, 36 are women. When Stalin asked the employees about their wages and the safety measures, they said they had no qualms and the factory did not encounter any untoward incidents in the past. The workers requested the government to take care of their children's education and ensure a secure future for the kids in case of any untoward incidents such as cracker blasts. Stalin then directed the unit's owner to arrange insurance for all the employees in the unit. When he inquired if women are receiving the monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 under the Magalir Urimai Thittam, some replied in the negative, following which Stalin told them to submit petitions regarding the issue and assured prompt action. Later in the evening, Stalin visited the government children's home in Soolakarai, interacted with the students and distributed snacks. He also held a roadshow for nearly 3 km from Virudhunagar's new bus stand to a private marriage hall near Aruppukottai Road. Thousands of people gathered on the roadside, raising slogans hailing Stalin and praising the DMK. Police deployment and security were tightened in the area. CM to open a new collectorate Stalin will inaugurate the new collectorate, built at a cost of Rs 77.12 crore in Virudhunagar, and distribute various welfare assistance on Sunday. In Madurai, residents from Mullai Nagar in Madurai city were stopped by the police when they started from their locality to meet Stalin at Madurai Airport in the morning, seeking his intervention to stop the demolition of their houses. The public works department had issued notices stating that the houses were constructed by encroaching upon the waterbody. The residents claimed they had been residing in the locality for more than 60 years. However, the police prevented them due to a lack of appointment. CM assures job for disabled man Following the inspection at the cracker unit in Virudhunagar, the chief minister also met K Manikandan, a 33-year-old disabled Srivilliputhur resident, who was waiting outside the unit to submit a petition seeking a government job. Manikandan, a B.Sc and B.Ed graduate, had cleared the Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) in 2014, the Block Education Officer exam in 2020 and 2023, the Senior Bailiff exam in 2022, and the Group 4 exam in 2022 and 2024. However, he could not land a government job. Citing the lack of wheelchair ramps and other facilities for disabled staff at private schools, he was denied jobs. The chief minister received his petition and assured Manikandan he would do the needful.

Over 250 cops have died in road mishaps due to lack of rest: Udhayakumar

MADURAI: Over 250 police personnel have lost their lives in road accidents, primarily due to lack of rest, former minister and AIADMK leader RB Udhayakumar said on Saturday. Speaking to media persons, he said, The Tamil Nadu police is the largest police force in the country. Recently, a news article stated that 1,347 police personnel have died due to lack of rest over the past few years. This negatively impacts the perception of the police department. Police personnel have died while driving during the day as they were staying up all night. In the last ten months, 254 cops have lost their lives in road accidents, including inspectors, assistant inspectors and police. The government should take this up seriously and resolve the issue. Chief Minister MK Stalin is in Virudhunagar on a two-day visit. I would like to ask if he will come forward to solve various problems. Various discussions and debates are being raised in the state about the election promises made by the DMK. Stalin very well knows that NEET is the main topic of debate. Is the chief minister ready to reveal the secret of NEET? he asked.

Extend Madurai-Punalur Express to Nagapattinam or Karaikal for better access to Sri Lanka ferry service, railways urged

No Smoke Without Fire

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has taken action against tobacco addiction among school students. Citing concerns over products like smokeless tobacco being smuggled from neighbouring states, the Court has directed the central government to ban such products nationwide The post No Smoke Without Fire appeared first on India Legal .

Chennai new airport project: Woman's self-immolation bid stops land inspection in Nelvoy

A 60-year-old farmer from Nelvoy village on Tuesday attempted to self-immolate in an act of resistance against the Tamil Nadu government authorities inspecting land earmarked for the proposed Chennai Greenfield Airport at Parandur. On November 5, government authorities visited Nelvoy village for land inspection. Although villagers resisted the entry of the officials, land inspection proceeded as planned. Around 4 pm, officials approached the residence of 60-year-old Kasthuri who was alone. Despite asking the officials to leave multiple times, they proceeded with the land inspection. Frustrated by the officials' dismissal of her requests, Kasthuri doused herself with kerosene when three women police officers intervened. Officials left the village soon after the incident; over 50% of the village land is yet to be surveyed and documented. Villagers said the officials have not returned to complete the inspection, three days after the incident. Talking to TNIE on Saturday, G Subramanian, Secretary of the Villagers Against Parandur Airport Movement, said that the government is determined to develop the airport even at the cost of people's welfare and the environment. The recent High Court and Supreme Court rulings are in favour of the people. On Tuesday, the SC ruled that the State cannot take over private property solely under the pretext of serving the common good. Last month, the Madras HC ruled that encroachments on water bodies must be removed even if the structures dated back to the Chozha period during suo moto proceedings regarding encroachments on Koladi lake, Thiruverkadu. The Madurai HC had also ruled against construction over water bodies, even if done under the guise of public interest, said Subramanian. The TN government is unwilling to drop the airport project despite all these legal provisions protecting the people, he said. The airport project The Parandur airport, which is going to be the second airport in Chennai, will be built upon 1963.17 hectares of fertile irrigated lands (1031.21 ha of wet agricultural land, 355.22 ha of dry agricultural land, and 576.74 ha of water bodies), 173 ha of government land and 36.56 ha of developed land. Nelvoy is one of the twenty villages to be affected by the airport project. Villagers have continuously resisted the TN government's attempts to acquire and develop the land for the airport. On Tuesday, ten protestors from Nelvoy were arrested and, on Wednesday, FIRs were filed against them by the Ponnerikarai police, for resisting the entry of officials.

Minister garlands statue of Italian Tamil scholar Veeramma Munivar

THOOTHUKUDI: Marking the 344th birth anniversary of Italian Tamil Scholar Veeramma Munivar, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister Geetha Jeevan garlanded his statue at the Basilica of Our Lady of Assumption Church in Kamanayakkanpatti near Kovilpatti on Friday. The birth name of Veeramma Munivar was Constantine Joseph Beschi. He was a jesuit priest who contributed to Tamil literature in the 18th century. He was born on November 8, 1680 in Italy and reached Madurai on May 1711. Beschi served as a parish priest at a catholic church in Kamanayakkanpatti in Thoothukudi. Munivar is called the 'Father of Tamil Prose'. Recognising his contribution to Tamil literature, Tamil Nadu government built a manimandapan with a full-size statue at Kamanayakkanpatti in 2022. He is known for his work on Thembavani, a poem on the life of St Joseph and compiling the first Tamil-Latin dictionary. He translated various important works in literature such as the Thirukkural, Devaram, Thiruougazh Nannool, and Aaththichoodi. District collector K Elambahavath, Kovilpatti RDO Mahalakshmi and other officials were present at the event.

Request to change address in ration cards refused

COIMBATORE: People visiting the special grievance camps organised by the Civil Supplies Department once a month to make changes in their ration cards, claimed that the officials have been refusing to change their address when requested. P Munusamy, an applicant from Puliyakulam, said, In order to avail the services of the Public Distribution Scheme, special grievance camps are being held on the second Saturday of every month in the Taluk distribution offices of every district. In the camp, the public is informed to submit complaints related to name addition, deletion, address change, duplicate cards, changing phone numbers, and changing the photographs of the head of the family. However, officials did not address changes from one district to another. He added, When I went to the camp with a request to change my card address from Coimbatore to Thanjavur where my wife and son are residing, camp officials refused to make the changes. They asked me to go to Thanjavur and make the submission there. Now, though all the processes are done under online services, the special camp does not fulfil a cardholders requests. Another cardholder who visited the Coimbatore South Taluk office made the same claim that he was asked to make submissions at his native place in Madurai for making a change. R Jeevarekha, Coimbatore district supply officer, said, In concern to the change of address to another district, it would be difficult to scrutinise the address provided by applicants. Due to this, the officials sometimes refuse the request. However, the applicants can go to the concerned taluk and process their application.

Corpn hastily cleans Thamirabarani river banks ahead of HC judges' inspection

TIRUNELVELI: Ahead of an inspection by high court judges on November 10, the Tirunelveli corporation hastily began cleaning up Thamirabaranis river banks on Friday. The cleaning operations, aimed at addressing sewage contamination in the river, were being carried out at various spots identified along the river. The Thamirabarani, which is a vital drinking water source for people in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and parts of Virudhunagar districts, has been facing severe contamination issues for years as untreated sewage is being discharged into the river. In 2018, one Kamarasu from Muthalangurichi in Thoothukudi filed a petition in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, urging action to prevent contamination. In March, the court ordered the authorities to take immediate steps to stop the discharge of sewage into the river, but the authorities allegedly delayed the implementation, resulting in a contempt petition being filed in the court. In response, Justices G R Swaminathan and B Pugalenthi decided to carry out an onsite inspection at areas where sewage discharge was found. Expecting the inspection, the cleaning activities were started by the corporation at various locations, including parts of Kokkirakulam and Vannarpettai, which were identified as sources of contamination. Bare handed sanitation workers were seen cleaning the places. The hasty cleaning driver has drawn flak from locals and environmental activists. They argue that the authorities, aware of the issue for years, failed to take timely action and are now acting because of the inspection by the judges. An official said sewage discharge into the river would be stopped gradually.

Mere intention to commit crime does not constitute an offence, rules Madras HC judge

MADURAI: Holding that mere intention or preparation to commit a crime does not constitute an offence under Section 511 of the IPC unless an attempt is made, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently quashed an FIR against a duo on charges of trying to steal sand from a waterbody in Tiruchy. Justice N Anand Venkatesh passed the order on a petition filed by P Srinivasan and P Subramaniyam, seeking to quash the FIR registered against them by the Siruganur police of Tiruchy in 2022. According to the prosecution, revenue officials received a tip-off on February 19, 2022, about the presence of an earthmover and a tipper lorry near a waterbody. Upon confirming it, they filed a police complaint, leading to the registration of an FIR against the petitioners under Section 379 (theft) read with Section 511 (attempt to commit offence) of the IPC. Justice Venkatesh observed that to constitute an offence under Section 511, the accused should have done some act towards the commission of the main offence. An attempt to commit an offence is distinguishable from mere intention to commit an offence or preparations made for committing an offence. A mere intention to commit an offence, not followed by an act of crime, cannot constitute an offence, he opined. Pointing out that except for the fact that there was an earthmover and a lorry parked near the waterbody, there was nothing available to take this case from the stage of preparation to that of an attempt to commit an offence, the judge concluded that the offence under Section 379 read with 511 of the IPC is not made out. The government counsel contended that the investigation has been completed in the case and the final report has been filed before the Lalgudi judicial magistrate. However, the judge held that even if the allegations in the FIR are taken as it is, the prosecution has not made out a case. Therefore, the continuation of said criminal proceedings would result in abuse of process of law, he added.

Heavy showers to continue in coastal, delta districts for next five days

CHENNAI: Heavy rain is expected over parts of Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai for the next four to five days, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai. On Monday, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore and Ramanathapuram may also receive heavy rain, RMC said. Heavy rains are set to continue in parts of Tamil Nadu for most of the coming week, until Thursday. On Tuesday, the RMC has flagged the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Villupuram and Cuddalore. The RMC forecasts heavy rain for Wednesday in parts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore. Heavy rain is also expected in Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai and Sivagangai districts. According to weather bloggers, places in north Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, may witness reduced rain over this weekend, with heavy spells returning around November 12. From Friday morning to 5.30 pm the same day, observatories in Thoothukudi received 3.4 cm of rainfall while other places such as Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam received light rainfall. Nilgiris railway service resumes after five days The Nilgiri Mountain Rail (NMR) resumed its operation on Friday after a five-day suspension due to landslides at 10 locations on the Mettupalayam-Coonoor route. The 7.10 am toy train began its journey at 7.30 am from Mettupalayam railway station. Mettupalayam and its surrounding regions experienced heavy rain last week, especially along the route between Mettupalayam and Coonoor Railway Station.

Implementation of government schemes reviewed at DISHA meeting in Madurai

AIADMK leader alleges lack of coordination between T.N. govt. departments during northeast monsoon

AIADMK leader and former Revenue Minister R.B. Udayakumar visited a few low-lying areas in Madurai city that were affected by the recent spell of rains

Online trading scam: Three held for defrauding Madurai man of Rs 92 lakh

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu police cyber crime wing have arrested three people on charges of swindling a Madurai resident of Rs 92.2 lakh through an online trading scam. Apart from Tamil Nadu, the investigation revealed that the accused were involved in cyber offences in other states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Nagaland, and Odisha. Cops unearthed fraudulent transactions to the tune of approximately Rs 3 crore through the bank account they had created to launder the swindled amount, police said in an official statement. In July, the Madurai resident complained to the cyber crime wing about being defrauded of Rs 92.2 lakh after responding to a Facebook advertisement promoting a high-profit online trading scheme. Trusting the claims, the petitioner transferred funds across multiple bank accounts. He realised that he had been deceived when the promised returns were not provided and lodged a cyber complaint with the Madurai District Cyber Crime Police Station for legal action and recovery of the lost amount. To identify the culprits involved in the case a special team conducted an inquiry on the frozen amount of Rs 21.1 lakh found in various bank accounts associated with the suspects. When the victims transaction details were analysed, it was discovered that cyber criminals, identified as V Nithish Kumar and L Chandrasekaran from Namakkal and K Suresh from Sauripalayam in Coimbatore, used a Bandhan Bank account for their fraudulent activities. The investigation uncovered that these individuals had opened a current account named Murugan Traders under Nithish Kumars proprietorship and earned lakhs as commissions for each transaction amounting to Rs 1 crore. The special team went to Namakkal and Coimbatore and arrested the suspects. Items seized during the operation included laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards, bank passbooks, and ATM cards used in the crime. The accused were remanded in judicial custody. Further actions to apprehend the remaining individuals involved in the crime are underway. Citizens have been advised by cops to stay cautious of WhatsApp groups claiming to be from popular trading platforms, as testimonials posted in such groups are fabricated. If you have been added by someone, leave the group immediately, police added.

3,242 single-phase digital meters found faulty in Madurai city

As many as 3,270 digital meters 3,242 single-phase and 28 three-phase ones have been found to be defective in Madurai city, as on October 7, 2024. According to Tangedco records, among the faulty meters, 70 are in Madurai South, 1,352 in Madurai West, and 1,848 in Madurai North. Of these, 47 became defective due to high voltage burns. Speaking to TNIE, Tamil Nadu Engineers Sangam (Madurai) secretary G Kathirvel opined that the excess load (power) consumption from customers is the primary reason for faulty digital meters under single phase power supply. The defects could be of different kinds - improper display, burning of wire, short circuit, fusing of components and other kinds of repair. Excess consumption of load can damage the internal circuit of single phase digital meters. For instance, if the customer has an air conditioner and a water heater in a single phase (power connection), irregulated use will surely damage the digital meter as both consume high voltage. However, this is not the case with three phase power supply, as the load is divided. Hence, we often find minimal damage or defects in these meters. A top Tangedco (Madurai) official said external factors like excess load from transformers or lightning and internal factors like excess load consumption from electronic or electric goods inside the house can make meters faulty. For an internal issue, the consumers will be charged. But, in case of external factors, the Tangedco will replace the faulty meter, the official said.

Madras HC warns WRD secretary, collector over faulty sluice gate in Virudhunagar

MADURAI: Noting the delay on the part of the state in repairing a damaged sluice gate of an irrigation tank in Virudhunagar district, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court warned that in case of any untoward incidents happening due to the improper maintenance of the sluices or the tank during the monsoon, the authorities concerned, including the principal secretary of Water Resources Department and the Virudhunagar collector, will be personally held liable. A bench comprising Chief Justice KR Shriram and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq made the observations on a PIL petition seeking to repair the damage in the sluices of a tank in Periyakollapatti village. Since the government counsel assured on behalf of the authorities that all repairs will be carried out on or before December 30, the judges disposed of the plea. However, noting that the petitioner has been complaining about the damaged sluice since December last year, the judges made the above observations to drive into the authorities the sense of responsibility they should show to ensure that public money is not wasted or public life is not lost. According to litigant K Muthu Krishnan, the said irrigation tank is a major source of water for the residents of Periyakollapatti, Neeravipatti, Pothirettipatti and Therkupatti. Though the tank was desilted and its five sluices were serviced in 2020-2021 under the Kudimaramathu scheme at a cost of `47 lakh, the second sluice got damaged within a few months, affecting cultivation in the area. Alleging that the authorities did not take any action despite repeated complaints, Krishnan had moved the high court.

Stray cattle menace remain high: 400 cattle captured in 6 months in Madurai

MADURAI: Despite the Madurai corporation taking various measures, including imposition of fines and impounding actions, stray cattle menace continues to remain a major issue in the city. As the district lacks proper facilities to keep the impounded cattle, unclaimed cattle have to be sent to a Gousala in Tenkasi district. According to records given by the Madurai city corporation, around 400 cattle have been caught and over Rs 10 lakh has been imposed as fine for the cattle owners over the last six months. Senior officials stated the corporation has taken measures to keep Jallikattu tamers through a private agency that has improved the capturing of stray cattle. As many as 30 cattle were sent to Gousala in Tenkasi over the last six months. Speaking to TNIE, Jeyachandran, ward 62 councillor and animal activist from Madurai, said, In spite of having a facility in Vellakkal (which remains unused), the corporation is sending the unclaimed stray cattle to Tenkasi. The cattle value would be lesser than the cost spent on transporting it to Tenkasi. Instead, the corporation could either deploy workers to run a gousala here or provide the cattle to animal activists or auction it. Jeyachandran added that the fines should also be increased to prevent owners from letting their cattle astray. Less than 10% of the impounded cattle are sent to gousala while the remaining are given to the owners after charging meagre fines. The corporation should carry out cattle registration and ensure that owners have enough space to keep their cattle, he noted. Box: Last six months since June 2024 till November 2024 Total number of cattle caught: 400 Total amount of fine imposed: 10,53,000 rupees Total number of cattle sent to Gousala: 30 Cattle seizure and fine details: Spot fine Rs 3000 - Rs 1500 per cattle If taken to Impound: Fine will be Rs 2500 - Rs 5000 per cattle

Madras HC dismisses finance firm MD's plea against CBI's inquiry notice

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by the managing director of Manapuram Finance, VP Nandhakumar (70), seeking to quash a notice issued by the CBI summoning him for inquiry in a case in which an office assistant Marimuthu from Punjab National Bank (PNB)'s Pudukkottai branch stole 1,842 sovereign gold jewels from the bank and pledged it in Nandhakumar's firm. A perusal of the order, passed by Justice KK Ramakrishnan, revealed that based on the bank's complaint, Pudukkottai police had initially registered a case in 2019 and had informed the same to the Pudukkottai branch of the finance firm. Despite the same, the firm had auctioned the jewels on the basis of the approval given by Nandhakumar in March 2023. Following a petition filed by PNB seeking CBI probe, the high court bench had transferred the investigation to CBI in January this year. The CBI issued a notice to Nandhakumar on November 8, asking him to appear for inquiry. Seeking to quash it, Nandhakumar had filed the petition. Nandhakumar stated that his firm has 3,500 branches across India, and he has no enduring memory about the individual transaction of the jewels pledged by the said Marimuthu. Citing age, health issues and the issuance of notice under CrPC instead of BNSS, he requested the court to quash the notice. However, the CBI special public prosecutor contended that the CBI issued summons only to collect materials from him. The petitioner is duty bound to appear and to co-operate with the investigation, he said. Accepting this, Justice Ramakrishnan dismissed the petition.

Madras HC directs 3-member committee to inspect Madurai GRH to verify structural stability

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Dean of National Institute of Technology, Tiruchy, to depute an HOD of the institute to inspect the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai, along with the Chief Engineer of Madurai Public Works Department and GRH Dean. The three-member committee is expected to file a report on the structural soundness of the buildings at the GRH by the next hearing on December 12. A bench comprising Justices MS Ramesh and AD Maria Clete gave the direction on a suo motu petition filed to ensure the structural soundness and safety of the buildings and other infrastructure in the hospital. The suo motu proceedings were initiated in September by taking cognisance of media reports about the sudden collapse of a portion of the ceiling of the said hospital. In the previous hearing, the judges had told the Registry of the court to suggest names of independent engineers, preferably from any reputed institution, to certify on the structural stability of the buildings in the campus. Based on the suggestions made, the judges appointed the three-member committee to inspect and file report.

Vijays power-sharing offer is a wrong call, says CPM

MADURAI: Actor Vijays TVK will not have any impact on the DMK bloc as the alliance is based on principles and strong commitment to secularism, CPM leader K Balakrishnan told reporters in Madurai on Thursday. On the actors call for alliance with parties that are ready to accept his leadership , Balakrishnan said, Vijay has made a wrong call in inviting political parties to his alliance. He should have just announced his political principles and sought support. By playing the power-sharing card, Vijay has made it appear as if political parties are waiting to compromise their ideology for securing posts. Balakrishnan also said that there is nothing wrong in starting a political party. So many people have launched parties in the past. Some of them like the DMDK of Vijayakant had a much grander launch than that of the TVK. Citing the example of Samsung workers protest, Balakrishnan said just because the CPM is in alliance with the DMK, it does not mean that the party will not raise its voice for issues concerning people.

Pregnant minor accuses priest of sexual assault in Tamil Nadu

MADURAI: City police commenced inquiries with a temple priest on Thursday after a 17-year-old accused him of sexually assaulting her. The police are yet to file an FIR in the case. The incident came to light when the victim developed stomach pain while visiting a relatives house in Sivaganga. She was rushed to a government hospital, where it was revealed that she was eight months pregnant. Sources said the GH alerted the police. The victim then told her parents that the priest of a temple near her house in Madurai city limits had sexually assaulted her. The parents subsequently informed the police about it. Hospital sources said they are providing necessary care to the girl. District Child Protection Unit officials and members of the Child Welfare Committee are yet to submit their report. A senior police officer said they are conducting inquiries with the priest. Based on the investigation and reports, further action will be taken, the officer added.

Two held for submitting forged surety certificates to get bail in Tamil Nadu

THOOTHUKUDI: Two persons were arrested for producing fake bail certificates to Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, to obtain bail for a murder accused in Kovilpatti. Sources said that G Parthiban in Kovilpatti was arrested by Kovilpatti East Police in connection to a murder case. When Parthiban was imprisoned at Palayamkottai central prison, he moved a bail petition at the Madurai bench, attaching surety from M Solairajan and A Subbaiah in Tirunelveli. The judge, while granting bail for the accused, instructed the concerned police to validate the sureties, as he grew suspicious over its genuineness. When police constable inquired, the VAO concerned denied giving any certificate attesting surety. Hence, the judge booked a case against Solairajan and Subbaiah on charges of providing fake certificates and misusing VAOs seals. Kovilpatti East Police arrested the two and remanded them at Palayamkottai central prison on Thursday.

Many places in south Tamil Nadu to get light to moderate rainfall on Friday

The RMC has predicted heavy rain is likely at isolated places over locations including Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, and Pudukkottai districts and Karaikal

HC dismisses plea by Manappuram Finance MD&CEO to quash CBI notice

The CBI in Madurai had issued the notice to the private finance company official to cooperate in the investigation into the case of gold jewellery missing from Punjab National Bank, Pudukkottai Branch, in 2019

Survey says 75% of respondents cant distinguish illegal online gaming platform from legal ones

It was undertaken among 5,000 online gamers in Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Coimbatore

Call to increase consultation days at transgender clinic at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai

Thousands of people have visited the clinic since its launch in 2022 thanks to friendly doctors; those coming from outstations find it difficult to make multiple trips; they also want a hostel for those visiting the clinic since they are not welcome at lodges, says an activist

Online trading fraud: Three men from Coimbatore and Namakkal arrested

On July 19, a complainant from Madurai reported that he was defrauded of 92 lakh after he responded to a Facebook advertisement promoting a high-profit online trading scheme

Three sentenced to life in Kollam collectorate blast case

KOLLAM: The Principal Sessions Court here on Thursday sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment for their roles in the 2016 Kollam Collectorate blast. The convicted individualsAbbas Ali, 31; Shamsun Karim Raja, 33; and Dawood Sulaiman, 27were each fined Rs 30,000 in addition to their prison sentences. Principal Sessions Judge G. Gopakumar delivered the verdict. All three convicts are residents of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu. A fourth accused, Shamsuddin, also from Madurai, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking him to the incident. The convicts were found guilty under sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), and 427 (causing damage valued at Rs. 50 or more). They were also convicted under provisions of the Explosives Act, Prevention of Destruction of Public Property Act, and Sections 16B, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. On last Tuesday, the court found these three men guilty, concluding the trial nearly a year after the incident. The convicted individuals were found to be members of the Base Movement, a group with alleged ties to the terror organization Al Qaeda. The blast occurred on June 15, 2016, at the Kollam civil station. The accused had used an improvised explosive device (IED) with a time mechanism, which they planted in an unused Labour Department jeep parked near the Kollam Munsiff Court. One person sustained serious injuries in the explosion. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested the suspects in 2017, leading to charges under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosives Act, and the Indian Penal Code.

Government needs time to clear all encroachments: Madras HC closes contempt plea

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court closed a contempt petition seeking action against authorities for not complying with a court order to clear encroachments in Tiruchy district. A division bench of Justices R Subramanian and L Victoria Gowri was hearing a contempt petition filed by B Shanthi, seeking action against the authorities for not complying with a court order to remove encroachments at a place earmarked for a park in Gandhi Nagar of Gundur village in Thiruverumbur panchayat in Tiruchy. Based on the direction given by the court during the previous hearing, the structures erected in the area classified as a park, except one overhead tank, have been removed. The additional advocate general submitted that authorities need at least a year to remove the overhead tank. Recording the submissions, the court closed the contempt petition by saying the petitioner would be at liberty to seek reopening of the contempt if the overhead tank is not removed within a year. The court also made it clear that the authorities will maintain the area as a park with facilities for the public to access, and they will ensure no encroachment or construction, either by the government or private parties, on the land.

8th Std student to perform her Bharatanatya Arangetram in Madurai on November 15th - Lotus Times

8th Std student to perform her Bharatanatya Arangetram in Madurai on November 15th Lotus Times

Residents, activists opposed permitting stone quarry in Ulagani

MADURAI: Residents of Ulagani village, representatives of various farmers' associations and environmental activists opposed the establishment of a stone quarry at the village located near the airport, during a public hearing on Wednesday. The villagers also complained that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) allegedly organised the public hearing, about 10 km away from the proposed stone quarry area. In the presence of Thirumangalam RDO Kannan and Pollution Control Board Engineer Sugumaran, the public hearing was held for giving permission to Suganya Blue Metals Stone Quarry to function in a proposed area of 8.6 acres. Residents said that if the land would be provided for quarrying, they might lose their livelihood and there will be groundwater depletion and air pollution. Environmental Activist Kambur Selvaraj said in the meeting that the proposed land was against Tamil Nadu Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 1959. He mentioned that there is a large number of approved housing sites and water channels within a radius of 300 metres. At the public hearing, there was a scuffle between environmental activists and stone quarry supporters. The supporters said that environmental activists belong to Melur taluk, and the proposed land is in Kallikudi taluk. Hence, they cannot make a comment on activities taking place in other taluks. The environmental activists claimed that they have the right to oppose any environmental issue, which brings about climate change, leads to heavy rain, flood, violation of environmental rules and creates adverse effects on nature. Later, environmental activists, farmers and residents submitted a petition with District Collector MS Sangeetha, in which they claimed that there are check dams, bridges, wells, and high voltage electric towers near the proposed land area. They also said that as per the rules, no road and overhead tanks must be there in the proposed area. But, there is a road and an overhead tank in the proposed area. The stone quarry submitted forgery documents and received an environmental clearance certificate, petitioners claimed.

Tamil Nadu: DMKs growing popularity draws criticism

Chennai : The growing popularity of the DMK, which was showcased through the party polling a higher percentage of votes in the last Lok Sabha elections than in the earlier Assembly polls, was the reason behind his government being criticized unfairly, Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Wednesday. Speaking at the event to lay the foundation for the Thanthai Periyar Public Library and a Science Centre at Anuparpalayam in Coimbatore, Stalin said he was not bothered by the criticism because he was only committed to serve the people by implementing the DMKs welfare schemes that were integrated with the lives of the people. Delighted over the comeback of the Minister in charge of Coimbatore, V Senthil Balaji, overcoming the hurdles thrown on his way in effectively implementing the government welfare schemes, the Chief Minister announced a slew of new projects for Coimbatore, including the setting up of a world class Gold Industrial Park at the Kurichi Industrial Estate bowing to the demand made by a the leaders of the gold industry on Tuesday. Within 24 hours of a delegation, representing the entire gamut of associations and trade bodies of goldsmiths and others associated with the bullion markets, jewelry making, marketing and so, calling on him the demand for the exclusive industrial park, Stalin announced that the complex with all modern facilities, including a NABL recognized laboratory, would be set up at a cost of Rs 126 crore. For the public library, for which he laid the foundation on Wednesday, too, he said the inauguration would be held in January, 2026, reeling out list of projects that were completed on time by his government like the Kalignar Centenary multi-specialty hospital in Chennai, Kalaignar Centenary Public Library in Madurai, a modern arena for Jallikattu in Madurai and the Keeladi museum. Among the other new schemes announced for Coimbatore is yet another three million square feet IT park on the lines of the Ramanujam IT township in Chennai. It would come on a 17.17 acre land near the newly opened IT park and provide jobs for 3600 people, besides becoming a landmark of Coimbatore, he said. Rest of the schemes include a 5 km long over bridge between Chiniampalayam and Neelambur at cost of Rs 600 crore, fencing at Thondamuthur for Rs 7 crore to prevent elephant intrusion, 3 different drinking water schemes for the benefit of several villages and converting the mud roads of Coimbatore city into asphalt covered roads. Stalin said he believed in meeting people, knowing their needs personally and devising schemes accordingly and that the DMK was behind the rapid progress of the State on all fronts, emerging as the second most economically developed and most urbanized State having 20 percent of the top educational institutions having a 48 per cent share in registration of industries. When the DMK was launched, its founder C N Annadurai had said that the North was growing and the South was waning but now it had been reversed by the DMK governments with the South providing for the North, he said adding that the DMK needed the power to govern only because it had a mission to put its vision into action. Looking back, Tamil Nadu was lagging behind north Indian States 50 years ago but today it had eradicated poverty, hunger and gender inequality and has become the top State for quality education, employment prospects, equal opportunities, infrastructural facilities, industry, economic index, peace, medicine, peoples welfare, consumption and production, he said. Stalin recalled the old schemes for Coimbatore devised by the DMK governments that had contributed to the progress of the city like India's first agriculture University and integrated water supply schemes for Coimbatore and Siruvani.

'Compared to northern states Tamil Nadu has grown a lot today', says CM Stalin

COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu has developed in all fields and is now a great state in the country. Compared to northern states, Tamil Nadu has grown in all sectors now. Tamil Nadu is the second-largest economic state in India and the most urbanized state in India. South is now giving away a lot to the North. And that is a fact which no one can deny, said, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in Coimbatore on Wednesday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin reviewed the development works in the Coimbatore district on Tuesday & Wednesday and went on to inspect the Semmozhi Park works at Gandhipuram in the city. Later, he laid the foundation stones for the grand library & science centre at Anuparpalayam and addressed the gathering of students in the event alongside ministers EV Velu, KN Nehru, V Senthil Balaji, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and other higher officials. The grand library is set to be established at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore. The facility will have 8 floors and will be spread across 1.98 lakh sq ft and include a library, science centre, incubation centre, digital library, kids library, planetarium, space lift, convention centre, terrace garden, rare books collection, competitive exams preparation centre, etc. #TamilNadu CM #MKStalin laid the foundation stone for #KalaignarLibrary at Prison grounds in #Coimbatore . Express photos | @meetsenbaga pic.twitter.com/jFtfXv0clo TNIE Tamil Nadu (@xpresstn) November 6, 2024 Speaking at the event, Stalin said, It was in Coimbatore that the Tamil Pudhalvan project was started. I am pleased to be present at this event today. After taking charge of the government, I have been going to every district and participating in the event of providing welfare assistance. I have been to Coimbatore 3 times, participated in various government events and initiated projects. I directed the ministers to review the status of the announcements made in the last 3 years and went to America to attract investments. After coming from here, I asked the ministers about the status and started the work of inspecting each district. I chose Coimbatore as the first district to start my inspection & review works. Minister Senthil Balaji has given a Come Back to implement government schemes in Coimbatore district by breaking all the obstacles that were placed before him. There was a request to set up a science centre along with the library in Coimbatore. Like the Anna Library in Chennai and the Kalaingar Library in Madurai, this library will be established in Coimbatore in the name of Periyar. Its opening ceremony will be held in January 2026. I also inspected the Semmozhi Poonga works. It will be completed soon and will be opened in June next year. 10,000 families have benefited from orders issued yesterday for a 35-year-old land release request in Coimbatore. Among the promises announced in the parliamentary elections, the site for the construction of an international cricket stadium has been selected and the work will begin soon. The development works for the welfare of the people are being carried out and Tamil Nadu has developed in all fields and is now a great state in the country. Comparing the northern states and Tamil Nadu 50 years ago and now, Tamil Nadu is the leading state in all fields. Tamil Nadu is the second-largest economic state in India and the most urbanized state in India. South is now giving away a lot to the North. And that is a fact which no one can deny, he concluded.

Safety: Compromised

CHENNAI: Thunder and lightning enveloped the sky as the clouds relentlessly burst, drenching the city. As if on cue, the electricity was shut off across several areas. In a hostel on Butt Road, Ramapuram, Kiruthiga V, a Madurai native, was working on an assignment when the lights went off. She looked for a matchbox to light a candle, but alas! she couldnt find one. She went to the hostels kitchen to get a matchbox from the anna who takes care of the canteen, and headed towards the door. She felt she was being followed. I stopped for a second to turn, and just then he squeezed my back and walked past me, without turning around. I could not step any further. I stood still for a long time. Women like Kiruthiga move to a new city to pursue their aspirations and experience freedom while juggling academic or corporate pressure. Most of them opt to live in hostels, considering them to be a prudent and safe option. But in the hallways, bedrooms, and washrooms, the lines of security are blurred by the harassment and abuse from whom they consider to be safety providers. The alleged rape and murder of a young doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, 14 girls sexually assaulted by a hostel manager in Andhra Pradesh, NIT Trichys student facing sexual harassment in Trichy, a hostel owner sexually abusing a student in Coimbatore these incidents may be months old, but this is a reality we live in; a society where women are exploited every day in spaces they reside, study, work, travel or just pass by. How are these living spaces in Tamil Nadu? How do they function, and are women indeed safe? CE explores. New place, old problems All it took was one night for her hostel experience to turn into distress for Garima* from Pondicherry University. I was given a room in a newly built hostel which was more like an apartment. It was neat and clean. We were treated nicely and the guards were well-behaved, she begins. The university did not have any restrictions and a few students spent the night out, though the campus official rules require them to reach the room by 10 pm. The next morning, we would just have to write our names in a register at the main gate and that was it, she adds. One night, she was out with friends and reached her hostel the next morning. I dont know why they were checking everyones bags. I had my clothes in mine and a male security guard was checking it. Another guard asked him to let us in since he knew us well but he (the former) snooped my bag and touched my bra. It was repulsive for me, she shares adding that her privacy was violated and she was too numb to raise her voice. This is one such story where a woman was harassed in the guise of safety. On talking to more women, CE found that harassment branches far and wide. Dhanusha S, a PR executive, recalls an incident when her friend was touched inappropriately by a man who was changing bulbs in her room. College student Preethi K recounts that her hostels mess worker stared at her breasts while serving food for a fortnight until she stopped having food from the canteen. Meanwhile, Dhanalaxmi B, an employee at HCL, shudders while recalling, I was taking a bath in my bathroom and when I came out wrapped in my towel, a carpenter barged in to fix a table in my room. At GK hostel, the warden verbally abused a resident. She commented on my dark skin, the colourful dresses I wore, and the way I walked and talked. This continuedtill the day I vacated the space. In step with the government While rules and restrictions are imposed on hostel residents, women are often abused by a worker or an outsider. Selvi, a coordinator at Manaivi, an organisation that works for womens welfare, explains, The security guards hired to safeguard hostel premises are mostly men. They should be given training by their respective agencies on how to treat and behave with women. The hostel owners should do a background check on the person hired. There should be a regulation by the government on how the guards should be hired and where. Hostels, lodging houses, and homes for women and children in the state have to adhere to the Tamil Nadu Governments Hostels and Homes for Women and Children (Regulation) Act 2014. Section 4 of the Act states that no working women hostel and homes should function without a licence issued by the Collector. Following this, under Tamil Nadu Hostels and Homes Rules, 2015, guidelines for registration have been framed. Like every other rule, some follow it and some dont. Madhumitha J, an advocate practicing at the Madras High Court, says, On a plain reading of the Act, we can understand that there is no mandatory inspection, let alone any provision explicitly made for physical inspection, before issuing the licence. The appropriate authority to issue a licence as per the act is the Collector. The Act will be more effective if there are proper checks and balances in place. Meanwhile, Tara Abraham, owner of Tara Homes licensed by the TN government points out, We have to renew the licence once every three years and it is taxing. Moreover, people from the Corporation and Collectors office are at our doorstep now and then checking paperwork, I dont know if they are genuine. Two sides of a coin Before opting for a hostel, women and parents of girl children usually look at the rules and restrictions that are imposed. But, these are not approved by the government or any higher authority. According to Selvi, hostel management acts as an agency between parents and their children. They do not take responsibility for the individuals lives. The ones living in hostels are 18 years and above, they know what they are doing as adults. When the authorities complain to parents, it creates mental stress on the child, she says. In such instances, women should learn the laws and rules that are now available online. Additionally, parents could also teach their children what they should look for when opting for a hostel. Jithamoal KP, assistant manager at United India Insurance Company, whose child studies at Manipal University, Jaipur, says, Before choosing the hostel, I looked for people in the city and asked them about the college hostel. The university claims to be an anti-ragging and anti-assault campus and ensures nothing happens to the children inside the college. Considering these factors and the fact that the hostel is within the campus, it felt safe. For a hostel outside the college campus, Seenaja, whose daughter studies at Pondicherry University and currently stays in the college hostel, shares, I would prioritise a hostel that has strict safety rules such as visitor restrictions, regular checks, CCTVs, curfews and structured guidelines for a more secured environment. According to her, the other criteria would be the accessibility to transportation, amenities including a secure entry/exit system, fire exits, first-aid facilities, and most importantly the hostels location. It should be located in a well-lit neighbourhood where the crime rate is low and is close to public spaces such as a hospital or a police station. As a parent, there is a mix of pride and concern. I know living away is part of her growth, but I worry about her safety and well-being, she adds. A few of these demands are met at GRG Hostel in Coimbatore. Curfews are imposed, strict rules regarding who can visit the hostel and when in some cases men are not allowed beyond certain areas even if it is the students father regular room inspections, CCTV surveillance, and biometric monitoring. Valencia Joycee J, a resident shares, Though these steps are followed keeping safety in mind, we sometimes feel restricted. For instance, curfews and visitor restrictions are frustrating. Some students feel the curfew and other rules infringe their freedom, but others feel these rules help maintain order and safety. To ensure safety in living spaces, every person involved in the process takes a few steps, setting ground rules. Yet, when an incident arises, it is the victim the one living with the invisible scars and fear who is blamed. Id be a fearless leader, Id be an alpha type, When everyone believes ya, Whats that like? sings Taylor Swift in her new song, The Man. So, how do we create spaces where women are protected, heard and are at a place of authority? Selvi suggests, There should be a government intervention and the number of government hostels should increase in comparison to private hostels. We need a system where not only licensing but also the running of the hostel should be monitored. Only then can we create a space where women can be what they want and not boxed as per societys expectation. *Name changed

SOP soon for police to implement court orders: Tamil Nadu govt to Madras HC

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday informed the Madras High Court that a standard operating procedure (SOP) is being worked out for proper implementation of court orders passed in criminal cases. Public Prosecutor Hasan Mohamed Jinnah made the submission before Justice AD Jagadish Chandira when a contempt of court case against police officials of Koyambedu for failure to act upon the orders of the court came up for hearing. He said the SOP will ensure time-bound implementation of the orders of the court. Recording the submission, the judge directed him to submit the draft of the SOP in the court. The petition was filed by J Manohar Dass to punish the police officers concerned for wilful disobedience of the order of the court made in 2022 regarding holding of investigation and filing charge-sheet within two months. He lodged a complaint at the Koyamebdu police station in 2020 seeking action against a travel agent, Jayasingh Vasanth Ranjith, for returning Rs 13.66 lakh paid for arranging a tour abroad. Due to visa issues, the tour was abandoned but the police did not take action except registering an FIR. On Tuesday, Jinnah submitted that the police had arrested the accused and the final report was filed. Justice Jagadish Chandira said such action was taken only after the court had taken the contempt petition and said several affected persons had to knock the doors of the court for action on their complaints. During the previous hearing, the judge issued summons to 13 police officers, including DCPs R Shiva Prasad, P Kumar, G Umayal and G Subbulakshmi, who have served during the relevant period, to appear before the court. Accordingly, all but two officers appeared. 2 AAGs appointed in Madras High Court Chennai: The government has appointed two advocates as additional advocate gGenerals to the principal bench of Madras High Court. The Public (Law Officers) department on Monday issued the G.O. for the appointment of K Chandramohan and M Suresh Kumar as AAGs. Enrolled in 1985 as an advocate, Chandramohan has practised in the Madras High Court and held the post of president of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from 2005 to 2011. Suresh Kumar was enrolled in 1994 and practised in the principal bench in Chennai and the Madurai bench.

Madras HC slams health dept for delay in appointing dialysis technicians in GHs

MADURAI: Criticising the apathy shown by the health department in addressing the issue of lack of dialysis technicians in the government hospitals, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently directed the health secretary to file an affidavit on the time required to appoint dialysis technicians in GHs on a permanent basis. A bench comprising Chief Justice KR Shriram and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq gave the direction, and also pulled up the secretary for failing to obey the earlier direction issued on October 21, seeking a similar affidavit. If the secretary once again fails to file the affidavit, it would be viewed as wilful and deliberate disobedience, the judges said. They further noted from a report submitted by the DME last month that a revival proposal has been sent for the absorption of 30 eligible candidates and the process of creating 624 posts of dialysis technicians is under consideration. But the judges pointed out that the proposal had been sent in June 2023 and despite the passage of nearly 1.5 years, the government still says that it is under active consideration. This reflects the lack of sensitivity on the part of the officers, manning the health and family welfare department, they observed.

Trade unions oppose TNSTC's move to outsource drivers

MADURAI: After the state government gave the green signal to outsource 165 bus drivers for Madurai region, the TNSTC floated tenders for the same on Tuesday. However, the move was vehemently opposed by trade unions, who argued that outsourcing drivers would put passengers at risk, and the drivers will not take responsibility for their jobs. TNSTC employees unions oppose the governments move and said it would curb employment opportunities for youth. Speaking to TNIE, TNSTC employees union (affiliated with CITU) deputy president G Rajendran said that TNSTC on Tuesday released a tender for outsourcing drivers in Madurai region. A total of 165 drivers will be recruited through a manpower agency. It is a first that TNSTC is outsourcing drivers. As per the norms, the recruited drivers will be employed for 11 months, and their contract will be renewed once for another 11 months. Their salaries would be fixed by the manpower agency, he said. He further said TNSTC is hiring private buses with drivers as special buses during festival seasons. TNSTC pays Rs 51.25 per km to private players even though revenue has declined. What is the need to outsource drivers? It puts passengers at risk because outsourced drivers would not be able to provide 100% safety to passengers or themselves, he said and urged the state government to recruit drivers on a war footing. Speaking to TNIE, retired TNSTC employees union deputy secretary NG Mohan said permanent drivers take entire responsibility, and in case of any accident, they arrange alternative modes of transport, sometimes by stopping other passing TNSTC buses. If it is a temporary driver, they would just try to escape the situation since TNSTC authorities will not provide any compensation to the driver, will not arrange bail, provide insurance or other benefits. Similarly, the compensation for passengers will also be reduced, he said. Meanwhile, an official from TNSTC said it is purely a temporary arrangement to wade through the existing situation. The state government passed a GO on October 25 to fill 2,108 vacancies as of January 1, 2025, across the state. Of these, 2,033 are driver cum conductor vacancies, while the rest are technical staff. These vacancies will be filled through the Institute of Road Transport (IRT), he said.

Madras High Court: Shariat Council is Not a Court, Legal Stamp Required for Talaq

Madurai: In a recent ruling, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court clarified that the Shariat Council is a private organization and not a legally recognized court. The case in question involved a civil revision petition concerning the triple talaq of a Muslim couple, married in 2010, in which the husband obtained a divorce [] The post Madras High Court: Shariat Council is Not a Court, Legal Stamp Required for Talaq first appeared on .

Rain causes shallot prices to go up in Maduari market, a kilo sold at 90 rupees in retail

MADURAI: The price of shallots (small onion) has shot up in the Madurai market by almost two-fold due to poor arrival. As a kilogramme of shallots was sold at Rs 90 in the retail market on Monday, traders stated that the recent heavy rainfall has spoiled the new harvest, forcing them to rely on old stocks. The lack of proper cold storage facilities add to the misery of the traders, who find it difficult to store the stocks. While the price of shallots were around Rs30-Rs 50 per kg in retail, and much less in the wholesale market last week, on Monday, shallots were sold at Rs 60 per kg in the wholesale onion market, and at Rs 90 per kg in retail at the Mattuthavani Central Market. Whereas, among small traders, the prices went above Rs 100 per kg across the district. Speaking to TNIE, Ismail, an office bearer of wholesale onion traders association in Madurai, said, Shallot stocks for Madurai arrives from Theni, Dindigul and Virudhunagar districts. However, sporadic rainfall in these districts hit the recent harvest, leaving us to rely on the old stocks, which the farmers had kept in storage facilities. Owing to the rain and drop in arrival, the prices have increased by around Rs 20-Rs 30 per kg, and the price is likely to drop once the arrival gets stabilised in Madurai. When asked about the current situation in retail markets, Chinnamayan, president of the Central market All Traders Association in Mattuthavani, said, Usually, the central market receives nearly 10 tonnes of shallots on a daily basis. However, the numbers have dropped by 30%-40% now, due to rain damaging the new harvest. Only old stocks are being brought to the market for sales. Meanwhile, the prices of other vegetables have remained unchanged since last week. He further pointed out that the Mattuthavani market lacks proper storage facilities, causing hardships for the vegetable traders. Though the agriculture marketing department has asked the traders to use the available storage facility in SIPCO, located opposite to the market, traders have urged the officials to establish a facility inside the market to aid them. He also urged the corporation to relay the roads inside the central market as the present ones have been damaged, and troubles commuters, particularly during the rainy season.

Madras HC imposes Rs 5,000 cost on tahsildar for removing encroachment without issuing prior notice

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently imposed Rs 5,000 cost on the tahsildar of Kalayarkoil in Sivaganga for failing to issue notice to a woman before removing an alleged encroachment made by her. A bench comprising Justices R Subramanian and L Victoria Gowri passed the order on a petition filed by the said woman, K Valli, against the removal of a fence, which she had allegedly erected in a public property. The judges had first summoned the tahsildar, other revenue officials and the station house officer of the Kalayarkoil police station who were involved in the eviction process. Pursuant to this, the tahsildar appeared before the court and admitted that no notice was issued to Valli before the eviction. The judges observed, The Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905, which is 119 years old, provides for a procedure for eviction of encroachments over public property. The Tahsildar, who is invested with the powers to implement the provisions of the said enactment, is required to follow the procedure prescribed under that enactment for removal of encroachments. Digression from the said procedure cannot be condoned by this court. They directed the revenue officials and the police to restore the fence; issue notice to Valli and take further action as per the procedure prescribed under the Act. They also imposed Rs 5,000 cost on the tahsildar for the manner in which he had acted, but added that the cost would not have any impact on his service records.

Archaeologists seek govt help to protect 300-year-old Maraiyur choultry in Virudhunagar

VIRUDHUNAGAR: The Ramanathapuram Archaeological Research Foundation sought help from the government to restore a 300-year-old choultry at Maraiyur near Narikudi and preserve it as a heritage monument. Sources said, Madurai Nayaks, Sethupathi kings, and Marudhu Pandiyars had built choultries for those going on the pilgrimage -- 'Sethu Yatra' -- to Dhanushkodi and Rameswaram. It is said that choultries in Maraiyur and Narikudi were built during the rule of Rani Mangammal from 1689 to 1706 AD. President of Ramanathapuram Archaeological Research Foundation V Rajaguru and Assistant Professor of History at Aruppukottai SBK College Rajapandi carried out research on the choultry at Maraiyur. There is an ancient choultry facing east with a big mandapam and veranda. Nearly 50 years ago, it was a school and presently it is not in use. Trees have grown on and around the roof, Rajaguru said and added that it was built using rectangular granite stone, brick, and lime mortar. Rajaguru added that the roof on the northwest part of the choultry and the two rooms in the western portion have collapsed. He said that these rooms may have been the kitchen, choultry keeper's accommodation and store rooms. From these sculptures we come to know that the 'Marudhu Pandiars' renovated the Narikudi choultry and donated it. Similarly, the choultry in Maraiyur was also repaired, renovated and new pillars were erected. Presently, the sculpture of the 'Periya Marudhu' has been damaged, he said. He requested the government to remove trees that have grown in and around the choultry. He also urged for preserving it as a heritage monument after repair work.

Two women cops killed as speeding car rams two-wheeler near Melmaruvathur

CHENNAI: Two policewomen attached to the Avadi police commissionerate died in a road accident near Melmaruvathur in Chengalpattu district on Monday morning. According to police, sub inspector Jeyashri (33) and constable Nithya (27) of the MM colony police station were travelling on a bike from Chennai to Tiruchy to attend a function. A Pondicherry registered car driven by one A Madankumar (35) suddenly hit them from behind at high speed which threw them off balance leading them to fall off the vehicle. While Jeyashri died on the spot, Nithya was rushed to Chengalpattu government hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Madankumars car was also damaged due to the accident. Although he suffered injuries and received treatment at the Madurantakam government hospital, he was later arrested. The district police are investigating the case. Disputing reports that the two cops were on official duty when the accident happened, a release from the Avadi police commissionerate said Nithya, a resident of Dindigul, was on leave. Both were experienced bikers and Jeyashri, who hails from Madurai, had also recently been on a bike trip to Ladakh.

Man goes on a hacking spree in Madurai, Sivaganga; murders a shopkeeper

He attacked his wife, her grandmother and murdered an AIADMK man

Uchipuli railway gate develops snag; for seven hours Madurai-Rameswaram NH sees traffic diversion

RB Udhayakumar seeks immediate appointment of EO for Kallupatti Town Panchayat

MADURAI: Flagging the absence of a permanent executive officer (EO) for T Kallupatti Town Panchayat in Madurai district, former AIADMK Minister and MLA RB Udhayakumar wrote to District Collector MS Sangeetha seeking measures to ensure immediate appointment to the post. In his letter to the collector, Udhayakumar said the office of T Kallupatti Town Panchayat, which falls under the Thirumangalam Assembly Constituency, holds an important place in granting approval for various projects, including drinking water connections, sanitation, road facilities, new construction permits, among others. Due to the absence of a permanent EO, the aforesaid works of the office have been affected. During the previous regime, I was involved in several welfare activities as well as the implementation of various projects, and T Kallupatti had bagged the award for the best town panchayat in Tamil Nadu. However, no official took charge as EO for the past one-and-half years; as a result, the EO of Peraiyar Town Panchayat has been given the additional responsibility, the AIADMK leader said, seeking immediate appointment to the vacant post.

Madras HC pulls up TN police over delay in probe in two cases

MADURAI: Displeased with the state police for delay in completing probe in two separate cases, one of which was a hit-and-run case, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently criticised that if not for the victims situation, it would have permitted her to investigate the case along with the police. The state is the prosecuting agency and every victim of a crime depends upon it. If the police are not carrying out a proper investigation, the victims may not get a remedy, observed Justice B Pugalendhi, while passing two separate orders in petitions seeking expeditious investigations. The first petition was filed by S Kamala, who lost her husband in a hit-and-run incident eight months ago and the police are yet to identify the vehicle involved. The judge pointed out that as per Section 2(h) of the CrPC and Section 2(j) of the BNSS, the power of investigation is also vested not only with a police officer but also with anyone authorised by a magistrate. But he said he refrained from permitting Kamala to conduct the probe along with the police, considering she is a young widow with two kids. He therefore suo motu impleaded the Dindigul superintendent of police to the case and directed the officer to ensure the vehicle involved is identified and action is taken by two weeks. Case pending at FIR stage for last 2 years The judge made similar observations in another petition filed by R Kanimozhi in a burglary case registered in 2022. Though jewellery worth `6.6 lakh was reported to have been stolen, the police have neither found the suspect nor the jewellery and the case is still pending at the FIR stage for the last two years and the victim is forced to knock the doors of the high court to expedite the probe, the judge said. He suo motu impleaded Tiruchy police commissioner and directed the officer to monitor the investigation and ensure that the stolen articles are recovered within a month.

New sitting at Madurai bench today, MS Ramesh is administrative judge

MADURAI: New sitting will begin at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court with Justice MS Ramesh as the administrative judge on Monday. The first division bench comprising Justices MS Ramesh and AD Maria Clete will be hearing all Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petitions, writ appeals (from 2023), criminal contempt and appeals among others. The second division bench consisting of Justices RMT Teekaa Raman and N Senthilkumar will be dealing with writ appeals, other than service matters (upto 2022) and arbitration appeals. The third division bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and R Poornima will hear Habeas Corpus petitions, criminal appeals and other criminal matters. Writ petitions relating to general miscellaneous, mines and minerals and registration have been divided between Justices GK Ilanthiraiyan (from 2018) and K Kumaresh Babu (upto 2017). Justice Babu will additionally hear tax, customs and central excise-related matters. Similar petitions relating to land laws, RTI, and freedom fighters pension scheme will be heard by Justice N Mala. Writ petitions relating to labour and service will be listed before Justices Krishnan Ramasamy, B Pugalendhi and R Vijayakumar. All bail and anticipatory bail petitions will be listed before Justice N Anand Venkatesh during the sitting. He will also hear other criminal cases (upto 2023), and those filed after will go before Justice M Nirmal Kumar. Other judges who are part of the new sitting include Justices V Sivagnanam, G Ilangovan, K Murali Shankar, S Srimathy, L Victoria Gowri, KK Ramakrishnan, R Kalaimathi, K Govindarajan Thilakavadi and P Vadamalai.

Prabhas's next film 'Fauji' set to become his 2nd costliest project

If reports are to be believed, Prabhas's upcoming film Fauji is expected to have a staggering budget of 400 crores, making it the second most expensive film of his career after Kalki 2898 AD , which had a budget exceeding 500 crores. Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, who recently achieved success with Sita Ramam , Fauji is described as a period epic set in the pre-Independence era, necessitating extensive set work and CGI to authentically recreate the historical context. According to sources, the ambitious budget reflects Prabhas's expanding market presence and the increasing scale of his film projects. With Fauji , we see the financial commitment that comes with crafting a larger-than-life narrative, said an insider. Set against the backdrop of 1945, Fauji will portray Prabhas in the role of a soldier serving in the British army. The film also features notable actors Mithun Chakraborty and Jaya Pradha in pivotal roles. As a pan-India project, Fauji is expected to broaden its appeal, with action sequences designed to enhance Prabhass already larger-than-life image. He is also set to share the screen with debutant actress Immanvi. Filming is currently taking place in Madurai and other locations, with Prabhas reportedly enthusiastic about his role, which draws inspiration from the legendary Subhash Chandra Bose. In addition to Fauji , Prabhas is simultaneously working on another project titled The Rajasab . He is coordinating his schedule between these two films and is expected to move on to other projects, including Salaar 2 and Spirit , in the near future. This ambitious slate showcases Prabhas's dedication to his craft and his ability to juggle multiple high-profile projects at once.

Illness from Contaminated Nuts: Consumer Commission Urges Collector to ensure food products sold at shops are procured from verified dealers

VIRUDHUNAGAR: In the wake of the recent incident in which a Virudhunagar resident fell ill after eating a nuts and dry fruits mix that had worms inside, and taking note of the fact that the shop owner was unaware of the dealer's whereabouts, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Srivilliputhur recommended the district collector to ensure that shopkeepers in Virudhunagar are selling food products after verifying the details and address of the manufacturers. The verdict was passed by President SJ Chakkkaravarthy and member M Muthulakshmi in a petition filed by K Muthupandi, a Virudhunagar resident, against A Perumal, the owner of a South Indian Filter Coffee franchise near Madurai and owner of a food trading company in Chennai. Muthupandi, who had purchased two boxes of nuts and dry fruits mix containing almonds, cashews, salt pista, and dry grapes for Rs 880, fell ill after consuming it on February 15. After spotting worms in the mix, he sent a legal notice to both the respondents seeking compensation for deficiency in service. While Perumal received the notice, the one sent to the trader was sent back to the petitioner due to incorrect address. Later, the commission published an announcement in the paper seeking the trader to appear before the panel. However, the trader failed to turn up, and when the commission inquired about the trader with Perumal, he replied that he was unaware about the whereabouts of the trader. Selling poor quality food products to the public and not knowing the dealer's address from whom the products were procured is an unethical trade practice, the commission noted. Considering the deficiency in service, the forum directed the owner of the coffee franchise to refund Rs 880, the cost of nuts and dry fruits, to the respondent. Further, it imposed a joint fine of Rs 15,000 on the two respondents for causing mental agony and material loss to the consumer, and Rs 5,000 for litigation expenses. In a bid to protect the consumers, the panel also recommended the district collector, who is also the chairperson of the District Consumer Protection Council, to ensure that the shop owners who sell food products in Virudhunagar district are selling the products after verifying the details and address of the manufacturers.

Around 140 suffer cracker injuries in Madurai

MADURAI: On the day of Deepavali, over 140 people sustained firecracker injuries, ranging from serious to minor, according to data from various government hospitals in Madurai. In Government Rajaji Hospital (Madurai), around 24 persons sustained injuries but no fatal cases have been reported so far. According to GRH (Madurai) sources, the number of cases treated as outpatients was 10, including two minor boys. The number of in-patient cases is 23, including four minor boys. As many as 20 major procedures and 8 minor procedures were done. As many as two patients sustained injuries to the eyes and were operated on. A top official from the health department said, Around 116 patients were treated for firecracker injuries in eight taluk government hospitals in Madurai district for the last two days, which included 29 minor children. The list of injured in Melur Government Hospital (28), Peraiyur Government Hospital (10), Sholavandan Government Hospital (13), Thiruparankundram Government Hospital (17), and Tirumangalam Government Hospital (17). Five patients suffered major injuries and 110 suffered minor injuries. The health condition of all patients is currently stable. No fatal cases were reported, but five patients, including one person suffering second-degree burns, were transferred to GRH. Meanwhile, a few persons were admitted to Dindigul Medical College Hospital for the last two days and were treated as out-patients. Two patients suffered serious injuries in a cracker blast in Dindigul town and were admitted and underwent an operation. Currently, they are under observation by a medical team. No fatal cases were reported for the past two days in the district.

Flourish a flutter away

MADURAI: In the world of butterflies, odonates, and dragonflies, Kumaresan Chandrabose takes a rebirth as an inquisitive kid. When the colourful flies flap their wings rapidly and flit around flowers, he patiently pays heed to the fascinating flutter. The 29-year-old civil service coaching faculty and aspiring civil servant might seem like an unlikely fly enthusiast. However, his dedication to civil service belies a deep-seated passion for these tiny creatures. What started as a childhood hobby has blossomed into a lifelong dedication to his research and preservation. As the awareness about environmental responsibilities spreads around, many are willing to do their part to protect the planet. But this Madurai man has chosen a less-trodden path to conservation. Butterflies and odonates are essential to a healthy ecosystem. They help control pests, pollinate plants, and even act as indicators of environmental health. But sadly, their numbers have been declining over the years, says Kumaresan. This decline sparked a mission within him: to understand and protect these vital creatures. Odonates, for example, are incredible predators in their larval stage, devouring mosquito larvae and helping to control those pesky population and reduce the spread of diseases, he continues. Butterflies, with their vibrant colours and flitting flight, are crucial pollinators, ensuring the survival and diversity of plant life, thereby supporting the entire ecosystem. Kumaresans research delves into the intricate relationship between these flies and their environment. He explains that each butterfly species has its own host plants specific plants essential for their caterpillars to feed on. By protecting these host plants, we protect the butterflies, he says. For instance, Mitragyna parvifolia (Neer Kadambam), a native Madurai tree whose numbers have dwindled, is crucial for the survival of the Blue Tiger and Commander butterflies. Protecting the Kadambam trees helps these butterflies thrive, he explains, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature. He expresses concern about the loss of habitat for these creatures. Often, during maintenance work near waterbodies, crucial bushes and plants that may be host plants for various species are cleared away. Their removal directly impacts insect population, Kumaresan says. To combat this, he along with his team are on a mission to raise awareness, particularly among the younger generation. They organise engaging nature walks, conduct interactive classes in schools, and lead exciting field trips that teach youngsters how to identify different species and their host plants. By educating young minds, we hope to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, says Kumaresan. His dedication has led to some remarkable discoveries. He proudly shares that he and his team were the first to spot and record the Black-tailed Spreadwing odonate, the Yellow Jack Sailor butterfly, and the Korean Flycatcher bird in Tamil Nadu. Kumaresan has meticulously documented over 154 butterfly species and over 39 odonate species in the Madurai region. His team actively tracks these species, studying their host plants and working to protect them. By recording and studying these species, we gather crucial data that can be used to educate people to take action, the nature enthusiast says. He believes that citizen science is a powerful tool for conservation. Everyone can contribute. Even small actions, like planting a butterfly-friendly garden or reducing water pollution, can make a big difference, he says. Kumaresan also actively encourages children to become guardians of their water resources. Water pollution is a major contributor to the decline of beneficial insects, he warns. He believes that clean waterbodies are essential for healthy ecosystems that supports a diverse range of life. He has even urged the government to establish a butterfly park in Madurai, similar to the one in Tiruchy. Such a park would not only serve as a conservation area but also as an educational centre, he says. The fate of butterflies and odonates hangs precariously, their delicate wings bearing the weight of a changing world. But in Kumaresan Chandrabose, they have found a steadfast ally, a warrior poet fighting for their survival, one fluttering wingbeat at a time. (Edited by Dinesh Jefferson E)

One-third of trainer posts in ITIs lying vacant for six years in Tamil Nadu

COIMBATORE: Students of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Tamil Nadu are in a mess as 1,200 of 3,500 trainer posts in these institutes, which function under the Commissionerate of Employment and Training, are lying vacant for the last six years. The institutes were set up with the aim to increase skilled manpower to fulfill the needs of industries. According to sources, the 1,200 vacant posts include that of workshop assistants, junior training officers (JTOs), assistant training officers (ATOs) and training officers (TOs). Around 320 of 350 posts of workshop assistants, who assist the JTOs, ATOs and trainees in practical classes, are vacant. Besides, around 850 to 900 posts of JTOs and ATOs who handle classes are vacant in ITIs. In the Coimbatore ITI for men, of the total 81 posts, 28 are vacant, sources said. An ITI staff in Coimbatore said that with so many vacancies, producing skilled labour force is difficult, and it may impact the states goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030. The Coimbatore ITI for men offers 26 trades (courses) and 1,500 students are studying there. As per norm, one workshop assistant, a JTO or an ATO should be there in a unit for each trade. Now, only one JTO or ATO is managing more than two units in some trades such as Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant, etc, he said. When junior trainees (first year) attend theoretical classes in the morning, senior trainees will attend practical classes. Vice-versa in the afternoon session. How can a single training officer manage classes in the morning and afternoon for the two units without a workshop assistant, asked the staff. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Training Officers Association general secretary N Ramesh told TNIE that compared to Coimbatore, the situation in ITIs in other districts is worse. To manage this, training officers from other trades have to handle the classes of these trades. For instance, training officer of turner trade handles the classes of fitter trade in most of the ITIs. Hence, trainees cannot be imparted the required skill, he said. Shockingly, only one training officer, apart from principal, is available for 10 units at five trades in ITIs located at Ottanchathiram, Manamadurai, and Denkanikottai. Trainees in these institutes are suffering a lot, he said, adding despite several appeals, senior officials turn a blind eye to the mounting vacancies at ITIs. A top officer from the Commissionerate of Employment and Training under the Labour Welfare and Skill Development department told TNIE they have taken steps to fill the vacant posts through Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC). When contacted, Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department CV Ganeshan, who claimed that he was unaware of the issue, said that he would take immediate steps to fill the vacant posts after consulting with Chief Minister MK Stalin.

Progressive politics keeps fascism at bay in TN & Kerala

Chennai: Both Tamil Nadu and Kerala had successfully kept fascist and communal forces at bay because they were two of the most progressive states in India, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Saturday. Speaking at the Art and Literature Festival organized by Malayala Manorama, one of Indias oldest newspapers, at Kozhikode on Saturday, Udhayanidhi Stalin said the Dravidian political movement in Tamil Nadu, known for its strong linguistic and cultural pride, has long held literature and language as its foundational pillars. Speaking on the topic Literary and Linguistic Ethos in Dravidian Politics, he said this fusion of literary, linguistic, and political ethos created a powerful identity that profoundly shaped Tamil Nadus social and political landscape. The cultural, political, and linguistic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kerala went back a long way and in literature, language, and politics both states had a lot in common. Our leaders invoked Tamil literature to propagate rationalism and promote scientific temper. Leaders like Anna and Kalaignar popularized Tamil literature that was rooted in human life and popular culture like Thirukkural, Silappathikaram, Purananuru, and Tholkappiyam among the people, he said. While Periyar spearheaded the Vaikom protest in 1924, Kerala born T M Nair was one of the founders of the Justice Party of the South Indian Liberal Foundation that created a political uprising in Tamil Nadu, he said. The self-respect movement, the forerunner of the Dravidian Movement, resisted cultural and linguistic domination by placing Tamil at the core of its identity and Tamil wasnt seen merely as a medium of communication but as the voice of a community seeking recognition, dignity, and independence from Hindi imposition, he said. The Dravidian movement recognized the potential of literature to serve as a cultural force and a vehicle for social change with Periyars writings, manifestos, and editorials condemning caste-based oppression, male dominant practices and rigid social structures. Leaders like C N Annadurai and M Karunanidhi harnessed literature as a tool to connect with the masses and their literary work echoed the Dravidian Movements core values of equality, rationalism, and anti-religious belief. The impact of that literary and linguistic ethos on society had endured and was now reflected in Tamil Nadus language policies, cultural festivals, and educational curricula preserving the unique Tamil identity, he said. Earlier, Tamil Nadu's stand on linguistic insubordination was seen as divisive but after many decades, history had proved otherwise and the so-called nationalists who still wanted to impose Hindi on the non-Hindi speaking States were indeed divisive and a threat to national unity, he said. Tamil cinema that was Sanskritized and anti-scientific before the 1950s changed with the advent of the Dravidian movement which delivered socially conscious narratives and dialogues that resonated with the masses, he said. The DMK continued to champion Tamil pride in the face of policies seen as a threat to Tamil identity, such as the New Education Policy and initiatives for centralized educational standards like NEET, he said. Referring to a Speaker mentioning Udhayanidhi Stalin as one whose political career was built on a brick, he said he still had the brick with him and would return it to the Union government when it allotted funds for construction of the AIIMS in Madurai.

Diwali return rush: Railways to run two unreserved specials between Chennai and Trichy, Madurai

Southern Railway is running special unreserved MEMU express trains between Tambaram and Trichy, and Chennai Egmore and Madurai to aid passengers' return journeys post-Diwali.

1,600 MT waste cleared in Madurai city post Deepavali

MADURAI: With the rise in garbage accumulation post Deepavali, the city corporation deployed 4,000 sanitation workers for cleaning. Also, five butcher shops were fined Rs 50,000 for dumping meat waste on Vaigai South Banks Road. As the Deepavali rush finally came to an end, several areas such as Keelavasal, which was extremely crowded, was completely filled with garbage. Usually, the city generates 850-900 MT of waste but in the last two days, 4,000 sanitation workers cleared 1,690 MT of waste from the city. Corporation officials said that the cleaning work will be completed by Saturday. Notably, members of DYFI volunteered in cleaning the garbage in Keelavasal to ensure that the busy roads of Vilakkuthoon were clean. Official sources said that based on complaints about large amount of meat waste being dumped in the banks of the Vaigai near Nellupettai, City Corporation Commissioner Dinesh Kumar inspected the same and immediately ordered clearing the waste from South Banks Road. As many as five shops were found to be involved in waste dumping in the area, the corporation under the order of the commissioner slapped a fine of Rs 50,000. Officials said that the remaining shops, which are still closed, will be penalised if found guilty of improper waste disposal. Activist Raja of Vaigai Makkal Iyakkam said that delay in waste bin clearing in the area has caused shop keepers to dump waste in the Vaigai banks, causing foul smell and polluting the river. He demanded the corporation to clear bins and ensure proper waste disposal.

Teenager, cop die of electrocution in separate mishaps in Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram

SIVAGANGA/ RAMANATHAPURAM: Two persons died due to electrocution in two separate incidents in Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram on Thursday. A 14-year-old boy, who was bursting crackers near an EB pole, got electrocuted after he stepped on a snapped EB line at Ilayamguri near Manamadurai. The deceased was identified as S Karthik of Perumpacheri village. Sources said the incident occurred when Karthik was bursting crackers in the neighbourhood along with his friends. Though he was rushed to the general hospital, but was declared brought dead by the doctors. While locals claimed that the EB line was old and hence led to the mishap, senior TNEB officials told TNIE the child had accidently stepped on the wire. In another incident in Ramanathapuram, a police officer on patrol duty died due to electrocution while attempting to remove a snapped EB line that had fallen on the road near Paramakudi. The deceased, identified as Saravanan (36), had been serving as the SI at Paramakudi Town police station. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed condolences and announced a solatium of Rs 25 lakh to the family of the deceased officer.

Madras HC reduces life sentence of Mexican who killed partner to four-years of imprisonment

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court recently reduced the life sentence imposed on a Mexican man for murdering his former live-in partner in 2012, to four years rigorous imprisonment. The court opined that the murder was not a premeditated one and that the man should instead be convicted for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The order was passed by a bench, comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and R Poornima, on an appeal filed by the man, Martin Montrique Mansoor, challenging the conviction and sentence imposed by the Madurai Mahila Court in 2020. According to the prosecution, Mansoor and the deceased, Cecile Denise Acosta, were in a live-in relationship and the couple had a daughter. After a few years, their relationship strained and following a legal battle over the custody of the child, a Mexican court had ruled that both parents would separately retain the custody of the child for 14 months. Mansoor had then come to India along with his child and worked as a research assistant at a university in Virudhunagar, and his former partner had also enrolled herself in a university in Kerala. While Mansoors turn was going to end in August 2012, Acosta had planned a summer vacation in Barcelona and had wanted to take their daughter before her custody period commenced. The duo allegedly had an argument over the matter, during which an enraged Mansoor hit Acosta, causing her death. To cover up the murder, he severed Acostas arm and stuffed her body into a suitcase. Later, he dumped the body in Madurai and set it on fire. He further filed a missing persons complaint with the police to avoid suspicion. However, the police arrested him and he was later proven guilty. While the bench observed that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that Acosta had died at the hands of Mansoor, it opined that Mansoor did not intend to cause her death. There must have been a sustained quarrel over the custody leading to an act of violence on the spur of the moment, the judges observed. They set aside the conviction under Section 302 (Murder) IPC and convicted him under Section 304 (Part II) IPC, thereby modifying his life sentence to four-year rigorous imprisonment. They also reduced the sentence under Section 201 IPC from five years to one year.

Madras HC tells centre to ensure ban of tobacco products across India

MADURAI: Alarmed by the increasing addiction among school students for tobacco products like 'Cool Lip' that are allegedly being smuggled into Tamil Nadu from neighbouring states, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently directed the central government to issue necessary directions to all states to ensure that such products are banned across the country. Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy passed the order on a bail plea filed by one Aunestraja, who was arrested for possessing Cool Lip packets in August 2024. Observing that at least 10 such petitions are filed before him every day, the judge said a closer scrutiny of the petitions revealed that despite the ban, huge quantities of banned tobacco products are being smuggled from neighbouring states into TN, targeting school students. Even as per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019 data 8.5% of school students in the age group of 13 to 15 consume tobacco. It is estimated that 5,500 children (in India) are initiated into tobacco consumption every day and 55% of them become completely addicted to it before the age of 20, the judge added. This menace can leave our children with a corrupt body, mind and soul, he observed, and suo motu impleaded the central and state government, food safety authorities, tobacco manufacturers as parties to the case. After hearing all the parties concerned on the existing legal barriers against the menace, measures being taken by the government to curb it and the difficulties involved in it among others, the judge issued a series of directions to all stakeholders. The prosecuting agencies were told that whenever a tobacco product is seized near any school, the offenders should be booked under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 as well. The agencies should see to it that not just the seller, but the manufacturer, distributor, directors and employees of the company are all prosecuted, he added. Similarly, 13 directions were issued to the state government, including establishment of Child Tobacco Cessation Centres in all districts, forming two-member monitoring committees consisting of a teacher and a PTA member in every school, collaborative efforts by the school education and health department to create awareness among school students, among others. The authorities should submit a periodical report to the Drug Free Tamil Nadu Mission, he added. The judge further pointed out that tobacco is classified as 'unsafe food' under the rules framed by the central government. The Union Health Ministry had already issued a communication to all states and union territories on December 5, 2016 to ensure that manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of gutka or pan masala or any other products marked separately having tobacco or nicotine in the final product is prohibited in all forms, the judge noted. What is unsafe food for some states cannot be termed as safe food for the rest of the states, he observed and directed the central government to consider the grave nature of the matter and issue further directions to the state governments, adding that the state governments are bound to comply with the directions. Over 761 shops selling illegal tobacco products sealed in TN, Rs 1.3 crore collected in fines

Chennais air pollution level critical on Deepavali day

CHENNAI: Despite coordinated efforts by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), government restrictions on firecracker use, and extensive awareness campaigns, data collected across 39 locations in Tamil Nadu from October 24 to November 1 revealed significant pollution spikes across several districts. On Deepavali, Tamil Nadus air pollution levels presented a mixed picture, showing improvement in some areas while remaining critical in other areas, particularly in Chennai. The TNPCB conducted both air quality and noise level monitoring as mandated by the Supreme Court. The directive, issued in 2018, requires pollution control boards to assess air and noise pollution during Deepavali to help curb festival-related environmental impact. Data released by the TNPCB showed air quality in Chennai was poor in four locations, while moderate in three locations. The lowest was in Tiruvottiyur with Air Quality Index (AQI) of 150 and highest was recorded in Valasaravakkam with AQI of 287. Although, these readings showed improvement compared to 2023, when Valasaravakkam had recorded an AQI of 365, the air quality in the city still remained a concern. This year, manual monitoring was done in 16 other districts including Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Vellore, Salem, Chengalpattu, Dindigul, Krishnagiri, Thoothukudi, Tiruppur, Nagapattinam and Kancheepuram. According to the data recorded on the Central Control Room for Air Quality Management of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website, the PM10 spiked to 130.72 ug/m3 on Friday in Thoothukudi, which is double the emission registered the previous day of 62.0 ug/m3. Meanwhile, noise levels ranged from a low of 59.8 dB(A) in Besant Nagar to a high of 78.7 dB(A) in Nungambakkam. In comparison, the highest noise level recorded in 2023 was 83.1 dB(A) in Sowcarpet. Experts say the TNPCB data does not show the intraday spikes in problematic pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10. Manoj Kumar, analyst with Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air analysed the hourly data, which shows PM2.5 peaked to 845 g/min Perungudi. All the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Stations (CAAQS) recorded severe pollution levels during several hours on the day of Deepavali.

Police control rooms in Madurai district flooded with calls on Deepavali day

Youth murdered in drunken brawl near Madurai

1,690 tonnes of garbage lifted in three days from 100 wards in Madurai city; Commissioner imposes fine of 50,000 for dumping meat waste along Vaigai

Tamil Nadu: Chennai-Bodinayakanur Express train derails at Madurai junction, none injured

The passengers of Chennai Central-Bodinayakanur Superfast Express had a providential escape, when one of the coaches derailed at Madurai junction on Thursday.

Downpour batters Chennai; rain alert for 15 districts on October 31

CHENNAI: Parts of Chennai received a heavy spell of rain on Wednesday afternoon, dampening Deepavali festivities briefly in the city. Anna Nagar West recorded 11cm of rainfall, with around 10cm being received in an hour. Kolathur, Villivakkam, Korattur, Ambattur, Padi, KK Nagar, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Ashok Nagar and Valasaravakkam, too, recorded heavy downpour. About 100mm in one hour of which 78mm recorded in just 30 minutes between 12.10 and 12.40pm was one of the heaviest spells in recent days. Even during the 213mm rainfall recorded on October 15, we did not see such consistently heavy showers, said weather blogger K Srikanth. Villivakkam recorded around 9cm of rain while Kolathur and Shenoy Nagar recorded around 7cm. The surprise showers resulted in temporary waterlogging in Korattur, Padi, Anna Nagar, Ambattur, Teynampet and KK Nagar areas. By late afternoon, water drained in most places without manual intervention. But localised waterlogging was witnessed in some places, including VOC Nagar in Anna Nagar East and 4th street of C Sector in Second Avenue, where water failed to drain even after a few hours. The Regional Meteorological Centre said that on Deepavali day on Thursday, there may be isolated heavy rain in 15 districts Dindigul, Madurai, Tiruchy, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, Erode, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur and Perambalur. Rain lashes several parts of #Chennai . #ChennaiRains ANI pic.twitter.com/vr3IEnqqRz TNIE Tamil Nadu (@xpresstn) October 30, 2024 Moderate rain likely in Chennai today: RMC For Chennai, even as RMC flagged the possibility of light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning on Thursday, weather blogger R Pradeep John said that while isolated rain may occur in Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chennai, and Chengalpattu, it may not be as intense as on Wednesday. On Friday, heavy rain may occur in isolated places including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, RMC said in its bulletin.

Will continue to push for Tamil Nadu fishers release from Sri Lanka: CM Stalin

MADURAI/RAMANATHAPURAM: Chief Minister M K Stalin said the Tamil Nadu government will continue to press the Union government to initiate diplomatic talks with Sri Lanka seeking the release of the arrested Tamil fishermen and their boats. He was addressing thousands of cadres from various parties and the general public at Pasumpon on Wednesday, after paying floral tributes to freedom fighter Muthuramalinga Thevar on the occasion of his 117th birth anniversary and 62nd Guru Pooja. Responding to a question about the Vaigai-Cauvery-Gundar scheme, the CM said that over 40% of the land acquisition process for the project was completed. Over 9,000 police personnel were deployed across Ramanathapuram district to maintain law and order. From Wednesday early hours itself, people from neighbouring villages thronged the memorial at Pasumpon to pay their respects. Earlier in the day, the CM garlanded Thevars statue in Goripalayam in Madurai. He was accompanied by ministers I Periyasamy, K K S S R Ramachandran, Thangam Thennarasu and others, who also garlanded Thevars portrait at the venue and paid their respects at the statues of the Maruthu brothers in Teppakulam. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and leaders of other political parties also paid their tributes to the departed leader. Edappadi K Palaniswami visiting the memorial in Pasumpon, Ramanathapuram Addressing reporters at Goripalayam, TNCC leader Su Thirunavukkarasar, in the wake of actor-turned-politician Vijay launching his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, stated that it is welcoming that Vijay has assured a coalition government if the party wins. In general, party cadre would be happy to get ministerial berths in a coalition government but in practical terms, the majority party need not form such a coalition. The INC leadership in Delhi can only take a call regarding an alliance, he said, stressing that ties between the DMK and TNCC are strong. EPS also paid floral tribute to the statues of the Maruthu brothers before leaving to Pasumpon. Ahead of his visit to the memorial, former AIADMK minister Manikandan asked the officials to remove a government banner that was placed at the media interaction zone. As the officials refused to remove it, the party cadre attempted to cover Stalins and former chief minister M Karunanidhis images on the banner with a cloth when Palaniswami arrived at the venue. Meanwhile, former chief minister O Panneerselvam paid homage to the freedom fighter and reiterated that the AIADMK can win the 2026 Assembly elections only if the party is united. Later in the afternoon, BJP leaders led by Union Minister L Murugan, H Raja and Nainar Nagendran reached the venue and said the BJP-led government at the centre will initiate bilateral talks with the Sri Lankan government and will do all thats required to resolve issues plaguing fishermen community Various other leaders, including V K Sasikala, DMDK leader Vijaya Prabhakaran, AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, Congress leaders K Selvaperunthagai and Thirunavukkarasar, and NTK leader Seeman accompanied by Sattai Durai Murugan, also paid floral tributes at the memorial.

Spousal privacy a fundamental right: Madras HC in divorce case

MADURAI: Privacy as a fundamental right includes spousal privacy and evidence obtained by invading this right is inadmissible, said the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently while ruling on the admissibility of phone call records as evidence in a divorce case. Justice GR Swaminathan made the observation while deciding on a petition filed by a woman against an order passed by a subordinate court in Paramakudi which had dismissed her plea to reject the mobile call records obtained by her husband without her consent. The husband had submitted the call data before the lower court to prove his charge of adultery against the wife. The judge cited several verdicts pronounced by courts across the world on the issue. While deliberating on the reasons attributed by Indian courts for admitting such evidence, the judge noted that the most common justification came in the form of Section 14 of the Family Courts Act, 1984, which allows Family Courts to receive inadmissible evidence. Disagreeing with the above view, Justice Swaminathan said there is no legislative validation for evidence obtained by violating the fundamental right to privacy. The discretionary power conferred on the family court under Section 14 cannot be an excuse for courts to carve out exceptions on their own, he added. Justice Swaminathan also referred to the 94th Report of the Law Commission of India that suggested exclusion of evidence unlawfully obtained in criminal cases. Trust forms bedrock of matrimonial relationships The judge then concluded by saying, Trust forms the bedrock of matrimonial relationships. Spouses must have implicit and total faith and confidence in each other. Snooping on the other destroys the fabric of marital life. Women have their own autonomy. They are entitled to expect that their private space is not invaded. Only if it is authoritatively laid down that the evidence procured in breach of the privacy rights is not admissible, spouses will not resort to surveillance of the other, he said, and set aside the Paramakudi courts order. Need for experts to certify electronic evidence The judge discussed the procedure to be followed while filing electronic evidence. After a reading of Section 63 and Section 39 of BSA, 2023, and Section 79A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the judge concluded that a person who wishes to rely on any electronic record as evidence must submit a certificate at the time of filing of the record. The certificate must be in two parts, Part A and Part B. Part B must be filled by the expert notified under Section 79A of the I-T Act, he noted. Surprised by the centres statement that only a handful of entities have been notified till date as experts under the Act and that there is no such expert in Tamil Nadu, the judge said it would amount to denial of right of access to justice and directed MEITY to expeditiously notify sufficient number of persons or bodies or entities as experts in Tamil Nadu, preferably one for each district, within three months.

Stalin asks officials to start work on Sellur channel following floods in Madurai

Children prop up sagging sale of crackers in Madurai

Former TNCC president wants Madurai airport named after Muthuramalinga Thevar

CM okays Rs 11.9crore project to drain excess water from Madurais Sellur tank

Parts of Chennai receive intense rainfall, dampening some Deepavali festivities

CHENNAI: Several areas in Chennai saw heavy rainfall on Wednesday afternoon, dampening some of the Deepavali festivities in the city. Anna Nagar West received 11 cm of rain in an hour while Kolathur, Villivakkam, Korattur, Ambattur, Padi and Valasaravakkam also received heavy rains in the afternoon. Chennai received 100 mm in one hour, with 78 mm falling within just 30 minutes between 12:10 and 12:40 PMone of the heaviest spells in recent days. Even during the 213 mm on 15th October, such consistently high rates were not seen. Roads were waterlogged across the city, said weather blogger K Srikanth of Chennai Rains. Intense rainfall in Chennai leads to waterlogging outside Thirumangalam metro station in Anna Nagar. Express video | Manish. #ChennaiRains #ChennaiRainsUpdate pic.twitter.com/qFL6u0zCne The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) October 30, 2024 Later in the afternoon, the clouds weakened. Weather bloggers said that the rain was unlikely to continue. The Regional Meteorological Centre forecasts heavy rains on Deepavali day at isolated places over Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchy, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, and Sivaganga districts. Rain lashes several parts of #Chennai . #ChennaiRains ANI pic.twitter.com/vr3IEnqqRz TNIE Tamil Nadu (@xpresstn) October 30, 2024

Over 27L voters in Madurai per draft electoral roll

MADURAI: Collector MS Sangeetha released a draft electoral roll on Tuesday in the presence of various political party representatives. According to the draft, there are 27,03,835 voters in the district's ten assembly constituencies, including 13,28,854 males, 13,74,690 females, and 291 third genders. According to a press statement issued by the collector, as per instructions of the election commission of Tamil Nadu, the draft electoral roll was released on Tuesday. Those who enrol their names in the voter list and change their address from one assembly constituency to another must submit form-6. NRIs can register by submitting form-6A, to link voter ID with Aadhaar you must submit form-6B. If there is any objection regarding addition or deletion, you must submit form-7. Similarly, for changing constituency and address, one must obtain a photocopy of the voter ID, and submit form-8, the collector said. She further said that those who completed 18 years of age as of January 1, 2025, are eligible to vote, and can apply for their voter ID. First-time voters can apply by obtaining the application in all corporation regional offices or tahsildar offices and polling centres from October 29 to November 28. They can also apply through https://voters.eci.gov.in or use the voters' helpline mobile app. Special camps for voters will be held at all the polling centres on November 16, 17, 23 and 24. Voters can use this opportunity by submitting the application along with relevant proofs. The final electoral roll will be released on January 6, 2025. For further details, voters can contact toll-free number 1950.

Tamil Nadu assures infra boost for ADW hostels in Madurai

MADURAI: After the state government assured the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that it would construct new Adi Dravidar boys hostels at Samayanallur and Kalimangalam in Madurai and provide adequate facilities at all such hostels in the district, the court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition alleging improper maintenance of the said hostels. The petitioner, S Karthik, said 57 government Adi Dravidar Welfare Hostels function in Madurai, of which 11 are for college students and the rest for school students, with a recorded strength of 3,500. But most hostels lack adequate infrastructure, hygiene and many basic facilities, he alleged. The hostel in Othakadai does not have a compound wall and CCTV cameras, leading to anti-social elements trespassing into the hostel and disturbing the students, he added. Likewise, the hostel buildings in Samayanallur and Kalimangalam have become dilapidated. While the students in Samayanallur were shifted to a small private building, which also has poor ventilation and lacks basic facilities, no alternative arrangements were made for students of Kalimangalam, Karthik added. The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation Limited (TAHDCO), which is responsible for maintaining the hostels, does not fulfil its responsibility citing fund crunch, he alleged. When the case was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice KR Shriram and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq, the government counsel informed that around `177 crore has been allotted in July this year for construction and maintenance of such hostels across the state, and assured that steps would be taken to resolve the problems in Madurai. Recording this, the judges disposed of the petition but directed the authorities to undertake necessary measures for addressing the issues at Othakadai and Samayanallur hostels within two weeks.

Plea to appoint director, administrative officer for Thanjavur library: Madras HC seeks Centre, TN's reply

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday sought response from the Centre and state government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking directions to appoint a director and administrative officer for the Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library. The litigant V Jeevakumar, an advocate from Thanjavur, stated in his petition that the said library was the royal palace library when the Nayak Kings were in rule and was enriched by Rajah Serforji II between 1798 and 1832. The library was finally taken over by the government and made a public library in 1918 under the Charitable Endowments department, he added. But, ever since the library was registered under the Society Registration Act in 1983, the posts of director and administrative officer have been vacant, Jeevakumar alleged. Currently, Thanjavur collector and chief educational officer are holding additional charge in the aforesaid posts respectively. He also submitted an RTI report obtained by him in September, which revealed that out of 46 sanctioned posts in the library, 32 were vacant. All 22 CCTV cameras in the library were under repair, the report further said. He requested the court to direct the government to fill up the post of director and administrative officer for the proper maintenance of the library. A bench comprising Chief Justice KR Shriram and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq issued notice to the central and state government and adjourned the case to next month. Staff shortage: Historic library in Thanjavur languishes from neglect