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Court Questions Tamil Nadu For 'Not Obeying Order' On Deepam Row
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court heard a contempt petition arising out of the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam dispute, with Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and Director General of Police appearing via video conference.
AIADMK warns of legal action against corrupt city planning officers of Madurai Corporation
Former Mayor V.V. Rajan Chellappa criticises Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for his inability to find a Mayoral candidate for Madurai city
To say 2025 has been a dream year for G Kamalini, would be an understatement. The keeper-batter from Tamil Nadu kickstarted the year by winning the U19 T20 World Cup for India women before becoming the youngest to debut in the Womens Premier League for Mumbai Indians. There, too, she went on to be a part of the champion team as MI won their second title. The crowning moment, however, came on December 9, when the 17-year-old, who is coached by her dad and Louis Mariano at the Super Kings Academy (SKA), received her maiden call-up for the Indian womens team. She is part of the squad that will play the five T20Is against Sri Lanka this month. Obviously, 2025 is very special, Kamalini exclaims during a select media interaction on the sidelines of the Tamil Nadu Sports Conclave 2025 in Chennai. I got to play in WPL, won the U19 World Cup, and now the India call-up, all in the same year. It feels like a reward for all the hard work that went in over the last five-six years. Very emotional, she adds. The journey to this point has indeed been an emotional one. Gunalan and Saranya identified their daughters interest in the sport during the Covid lockdown and decided to take the plunge. Every day, week, month, and year has been about her cricket and it did not take long before Kamalini made the news. They moved from Madurai to Chennai for her cricket and soon, she rose through the TN age-group ranks. Through all this, a lot of struggles were endured and sacrifices made, including her fathers health. But the family persevered and Kamalini could not be prouder. It is a proud moment. All the struggles he (my dad) went through, was for me to play for India. Even now, despite health issues, he is working for me. So to get here, feels very happy and it happened with all the support of dad, mom, and brother, she says. For her, the last eight-nine months were about what the learning from the WPL was and implementing it on the field. In the last nine months, I spent time with senior players, learnt a lot about the characters, how to behave outside the ground and how to approach players on the field, they have a lot of experience, she said, before adding, Mumbai Indians is a great environment I learnt different things from each person. With Hayley Matthews, how to open the batting, the kind of approach you take when things are not going well. The one thing they say is to enjoy (your cricket). Whatever you do, give your full effort and enjoy. This philosophy, pushes her forwards in all her endeavours. While this is the biggest moment in her young career, Kamalini believes this is just the beginning. She has her eyes set on a long future with the Indian team. I want to win a lot of matches for the senior India team, and become a main player of the team, she said. The day may not be too far.
VCK to hold protest in Madurai on Dec 22 over deepam row
MSME Connect 2025 to turn Madurai into MSME hub
The initiative was aimed at boosting entrepreneurship by linking local micro and small enterprises with Central public sector undertakings and government departments
Madras High Court had asked the Election Commission to spare Madurai Government Medical College as it caused inconvenience to students and look at other options
Stories of grit take centre stage at 36th edition of Devi Awards
NEW DELHI: The 36th edition of the Devi Awards in Delhi honoured 12 women for their invaluable contribution in various fields while breaking societal norms. The Monday evening was abuzz at the ITC Maurya not with speeches or spectacle, but with quiet authority; what unfolded was a celebration of women who shaped their worlds through persistence, intellect, and purpose. The 36th edition of the awards, the seventh in Delhi, was less about applause and more about acknowledgement of their journeys. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari was the chief guest, while Chief Minister Rekha Gupta served as the Guest of Honour at the event, which commenced with a welcome address by Express Publications (Madurai) Pvt Ltd CEO Lakshmi Menon setting the tone for the day. This was followed by the lighting of the lamp as EPMPL CMD Manoj Sonthalia. Editorial Director Prabhu Chawla, Menon, and Editor Santwana Bhattacharya were present on the stage along with the chief guests. Gadkari said women have played a vital role in shaping Indias history and society, adding that recognition comes from the quality of ones work. A persons work becomes their trademark, he said. Gadkari remarked, Respect should not be demanded; it should be commanded, while stressing the importance of skill and merit. Gupta said India has long empowered women. From Rani Lakshmibai to Kalpana Chawla, women have broken barriers. The women felicitated included Smita Prakash, editor and CEO of ANI, for her contribution to journalism; Simran Sharma, paralympian swimmer and gold medallist at the 2024 Para Championship in Japan; and Dr Radhika Batra, paediatrician and public health expert, for her work in combating child malnutrition. Also honoured were Sudha Bhattacharya, professor and geneticist, for her contribution to molecular biology; Aditi Mangaldas, dancer and educator, for her work in Kathak and contemporary dance; and Sonia Mathur, senior advocate at the Supreme Court, for her contribution to legal affairs. The list featured Archana Jahagirdar, founder and managing partner of Rukam Capital, for promoting entrepreneurship; Anita Kundu, mountaineer, for her conquest of Everest; Shradha Sharma, founder and CEO of YourStory, for championing Indias start-up ecosystem; Meenakshi Jain, Member of Parliament and historian, for her scholarly work on Indian history and religion; Rina Dhaka, fashion designer and entrepreneur, for her new-age approach to fashion; and Lakshmi V Venkatesan, founder of Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust, for her inspiring work with young people.
Weaving a millennium-old journey
Express News Service Some histories survive not in stone inscriptions or textbooks, but in language spoken at home, recipes passed down from kitchens, and clothes woven over generations. For a community that migrated over a thousand years without losing its name, language or craft, documentation becomes an act of preservation. The book From Homeland to Heartland: The Story of the Sourashtras , unveiled on Sunday at THE Park is both record and remembrance of the past. Authored by Anitha Rajarajan and Biswajit Balasubramanian, the coffee-table book brings together migration, textiles, faith, food, and lived memory into a single, accessible narrative. The launch was conceived as a multisensory experience, extending the books themes beyond the page. Guests were welcomed with a thoughtfully curated Saurashtrian menu that traced the communitys long journey across regions. From Debili of Gujarat and Kothi Vadi from Maharashtra to Punugulu recalling the Vijayanagar era, the culinary trail culminated in Tamil Nadu with idli and Saurashtra amti, before closing with bun halwa, a sweet symbol of memory and identity. The launch happened in the presence of scholars, writers, cultural practitioners and members of the Sourashtra community, with Nirmala Lakshman, as chief guest, Preetha Reddy, vice-chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, as guest of honour, and author and historian Sriram V as special guest. Opening the event, Biswajit Balasubramanian spoke about how a single question what their ancestors names might have been a thousand years ago sparked years of research and travel. He noted that much of the communitys recorded history existed only in Tamil. We needed a book in English, not a heavy research document, but something engaging, visual and easy to read, something a young Saurashtrian in Chennai or Singapore or Berlin could pick up, he said. He concluded by saying, Our migration has three striking pillars: our language, our mastery of textiles, and royal patronage.This is not the final word on Sourashtras. It is the beginning of a larger conversation. Anitha Rajarajan traced the communitys deep-rooted presence in Madurai, describing the city as the cultural headquarters of the Sourashtras. The Sourashtras have always lived with a quiet sense of purpose never loud, never demanding, yet deeply woven into the citys progress, she said. From pioneering education initiatives and early noon-meal schemes to contributions in textiles, music, cinema, and philanthropy, she outlined how the community became quietly woven into Madurais civic and cultural life, emphasising the need to document lived histories. Commending the authors, Sriram spoke about the importance of communities recording their own narratives, because, when history is written only through an external lens, it becomes authoritative and everything else is considered inferior. While Preetha reflected on food, fabric, and ritual as living archives of civilisation, Nirmala described the book as a meticulous and much-needed documentation. She shared, Saurashtrans came not just as settlers, but engaged deeply with local society and contributed to Tamil civilisational life. She added that the book reminds how migrant communities have shaped Tamil Nadu, while retaining their own distinct identity. Designed with photographs, illustrations, maps, QR codes, and oral histories, From Homeland to Heartland stands as both a cultural archive and an invitation for future generations to read, remember, and continue.
Thiruparankundram hill structure not a temple lamp pillar, says HRCE
Madurai: The stone pillar referred to as Deepathoon atop the Thiruparankundran hill near a Dargah was not a temple lamp pillar and it could be a Jain structure, the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department submitted before the Madras High Court on Monday. There is historical and archaeological evidence to show that the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
J&K Tourism Deptt wins Appreciation Award at IITE Madurai
Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department delivered an impressive performance at the INDIA International Trade Exhibition (IITE) 2025, held at Maditassia Auditorium, Madurai, culminating in a significant achievement on the concluding day of the event. In recognition of its outstanding contribution towards the promotion of tourism and travel in Jammu and Kashmir and across other parts of the country, the J&K Tourism Department was conferred with an Appreciation Award by the Director, IITE. The [] The post J&K Tourism Deptt wins Appreciation Award at IITE Madurai appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Tiruchi district remains a top tourist destination in T.N.
Tiruchi district occupied top slot by attracting 23.09 lakh tourists till August this year while Madurai, which drew 21.65 tourists, remains a top draw with foreign travellers
Traffic diversions in Madurai city to facilitate Goripalayam junction flyover construction work
Travel expo in Madurai to conclude on December 14
Madurai Market heralds Christmas spirit
Rajinikanth's Pic Used In Karthigai Deepam Strike, His Team Distances Itself
A poster featuring a picture of superstar Rajinikanth, along with a message put up at the hunger strike venue at Thiruparankundram in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district, has stirred fresh controversy in the Karthigai Deepam row.
Motion to impeach Justice Swaminathan an attempt to destabilise judiciary: HC advocates
It was a high-handed application of one of the most extraordinary provisions of the Constitution, said designated senior advocates and advocates practising before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court
The archaeology department's official survey of the stone pillar drew legal objections that the state was improperly generating new evidence while the matter was sub judice
Roundabout gives big relief to road users at Aavin junction in Madurai city
How a Madurai Ritual Pushed India Into a JudiciaryPolitics Collision
If impeachment becomes a tool for punishing judicial reasoning, it threatens to chill judicial courage.
Something is wrong: SC questions Madras High Court over Karur stampede case
The Supreme Court has sought a reply from the Madras High Court on the rules being followed in listing and hearing cases, observing that something wrong appears to be happening there, NDTV reported. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi made the observation while hearing the Karur stampede case, taking note of a report submitted by the Registrar General of the Madras High Court. The notice also made the Registrar of the Madras High Court a party to the case linked to Actor Vijays Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. Justice Maheshwari remarked, Something wrong is happening in the High Court. We need to see the report says that this remark came as the top court flagged impropriety in the Chennai benchs earlier order. The controversy arose while the Supreme Court was hearing TVKs petition challenging the Madras High Courts direction for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. NDTV's report noted that the top court said the petition was only seeking guidelines for holding roadshows, and the SIT order conflicted with a prior Madurai bench order refusing a CBI probe. The Karur stampede, which occurred during a TVK rally on September 27, left 41 dead and over 60 injured. The Tamil Nadu government has filed an application seeking the removal of the Supreme Courts stay on a single-member commission led by retired Madras High Court judge Aruna Jagadeesan, arguing that allowing the commission to function would prevent such tragedies in the future. NDTV reported that Senior Advocate NK Kaul, representing the state, said a counter affidavit has been filed and the matter needs to be heard. The Supreme Court, however, said it will first examine how cases are being handled in the Madras High Court before deciding on the commissions functioning.
'Something Wrong': Supreme Court Questions Madras HC's Handling Of Karur Stampede Case
The Supreme Court questioned how the Chennai Bench of the High Court directed the formation of an SIT comprising only State Police officers, despite Karur being in Madurai.
First-level checking of EVMs, VVPATs begins in Madurai
Amit Shah Criticises INDIA Bloc's Move To Impeach Madras High Court Judge
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday accused the Opposition parties of appeasement politics, criticising their move to impeach Justice GR Swaminathan of the Madras High Court's Madurai Bench.
Regional level dak adalat in Madurai on January 2
Explained: How a temple-dargah hill in Tamil Nadu became a bone of contention
Chennai: The centuries-old religious area of Madurai, with a temple and dargah resting in close proximity, has largely remained free of any communal tensions, with both coexisting in relative harmony Tirupparankundram in Madurais hilltop region has deep spiritual importance with the Subramaniya Swamy Temple at its base, and the Sultan Sikkandar Avulia Dargah on the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
This Clip of Nirmala Sitharaman Promoting Investment Platform Is AI-Manipulated
Team WebQoof found that the original video showed Sitharaman speaking at an event in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
107 MPs submit notice to impeach Madras HC judge
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI: As many as 107 INDIA bloc MPs, led by DMK, submitted a notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday, seeking impeachment of Madras High Court judge G R Swaminathan for his order of December 1 and 3 directing Subramaniya Swamy temple authorities at Thirupparankundram to allow lighting lamps on a pillar (deepathoon) near a dargah on the hill. The impeachment notice accused Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai bench of Madras HC of conduct that raises serious questions regarding impartiality, transparency, and the secular functioning of the judiciary. It alleged undue favouritism towards senior advocate M Sricharan Ranganathan and lawyers from a particular community, besides deciding cases on particular political ideology against the constitutional principle of secularism. Copies of the notice were also sent to President Droupadi Murmu and CJI Sanjiv Khanna. The delegation included Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, T R Baalu, Kanimozhi, Supriya Sule and others. On December 3, Justice Swaminathan had allowed a group of petitioners to light the lamp on the pillar near the dargah, and directed CISF protection to them. Police stopped the group from lighting the lamp, leading to a furore, prompting the Tamil Nadu government to move the Supreme Court, which admitted TNs plea.
In Madurai Temple Lamp Row, Court Summons Tamil Nadu Top Official, Cop
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday directed Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) to appear before the court through video conference on December 17 in the temple lamp case.
Ahead of Assembly elections, BEL engineers to carry our maintenance of EVMs in Madurai
Thiruparankundram row: Madras HC directs Chief Secretary, ADGP L&O to appear at next hearing
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to appear before the court through video conference at the next hearing of the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam row on December 17. Justice GR Swaminathan further issued statutory notice to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Madurai South) AG Inigo Divyan who reportedly stopped the petitioners from enforcing the order during the second day on December 4. At the request of the petitioners, the judge also impleaded Union Home Secretary in the case and issued notice to him, adding that based on the response of the chief secretary and ADGP, he may seek inputs from the Union Home Secretary. During the hearing, the senior counsels representing the state sought an adjournment by informing that the appeals against the main order are going to be heard by the division bench on Friday. Amid strong objections from the petitioners counsels to the said request, the judge pointed out that the petition was adjourned during the last hearing on December 5 for two reasons: the appeals filed by the state had been listed for hearing, and the state had informed that it has filed a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court challenging the dismissal of the Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) filed by it against an interim order passed in the above contempt petition on December 3. However, both reasons no longer hold good since the state has obtained any interim order in the appeals and the SLP was filed in a defective manner and is yet to be numbered, the judge observed. He also noted the submission of the senior counsel representing the city police commissioner that the state may even withdraw the SLP in view of the fact that the appeals were going to be heard on Friday and they do not want to raise the same issue on different fora. Moreover, the division bench, by dismissing the LPA, had confirmed the order passed by him for enforcing the main order, the judge cited and said, In these circumstances, pendency of the writ appeals without there being any interim order, cannot by itself operate as a stay. Upheld temple practices in Thiruparankundram: Minister S Regupathy He further recalled two more instances where the state machinery had failed to comply with his order in similar issues. The first one pertained to the states non-compliance of his order dated November 26 directing reinstallation of a Murugan statue which was removed from a hill in Kanniyakumari. The other was relating to non-lighting of Karthigai deepam on Mandu Karuppasamy temple in Perumal Kovilpatti village in Dindigul through a prohibitory order issued by the collector under 163 BNSS despite his order dated December 2. Separate contempt proceedings are pending in connection with the latter, he noted. I notice a definite pattern. I am certain that officials at the District Level would not dare to so brazenly defy the orders of this Court. Let me remind the officials concerned that their duty is to enforce the law and not go by dictates that are often issued orally. While the order of any administrative superior has to be complied with, this obligation does not extend to illegal orders, the judge said. I am not here to throw up my hands and helplessly cry O Father, Forgive Them, for they do not know what they are doing, he further observed and directed the chief secretary and ADGP to clarify their position in the matter.
T.N. BJP condemns Oppositions bid to move impeachment motion against Justice Swaminathan
Justice Swaminathan had ordered the lighting of a lamp at the deepathoon (pillar) located near a dargah atop the Thirupparankundram hill in Madurai
In 2016 Assembly poll, it contested in all seats butMaduraiNorth, securing a single-digit vote sharein all others exceptMadurai South. In 2024, its vote share exceeded 20% in 5 Assembly segments
Stalin: It was in Madurai that Kannagi questioned king over flawed judgment
CM dedicates Mullaperiyar drinking water project to residents of Madurai city
Stalin inaugurates Melamadai flyover in Madurai
Book chronicling life of Sourashtras released in Madurai
New office-bearers for Young Indians Madurai Chapter-2026 installed
T.N. Rising Summit in Madurai sees 91 MoUs, Stalin says focus is on uniform development
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin said his government has taken several initiatives to bring the southern region on par with other regions in terms of industrial progress
Melamadai flyover in Madurai to be named after freedom fighter Velu Nachiyar
The flyover is scheduled to be inaugurated on Sunday (December 7)
DMK faces off with BJP in LS on Deepam row
NEW DELHI: Even as the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Friday said it would hear all appeals in the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam case on December 12, the issue triggered an acrimonious exchange between BJP and DMK members in the Lok Sabha. The ruckus began during the Zero Hour after senior DMK leader TR Baalu raised concerns over the verdict by the high court. The HC judge had allowed petitioners to light the lamp on a stone pillar, Deepathoon, on the Thiruparankundram hill against the century-old custom followed by Tamil Nadus HR&CE department. The state government had defied the December 1 order of Justice GR Swaminathan, apprehending communal tensions in the state. The SC on Friday agreed to hear the states appeal challenging the HCs order. Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, Baalu accused the BJP of trying to ignite communal tension in Tamil Nadu and claimed that the judge belongs to a particular ideology. Who should light the deepam on the hill? Whether the Hindu Religious Endowment Board representative or some miscreants who have got a judgment from a Madras HC judge? he asked. Taking exception to Baalus reference to the judges ideology, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the DMK leader cannot cast aspersions on the judiciary and urged the chair to expunge the remarks. In the history of our Parliamentary democracy, we have upheld the discipline of avoiding disparaging remarks, Rijiju said. Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam row: Madras HC to hear appeals on December 12 TN targeting a particular community: Union minister We are not opposed to what he wants to express, but he cannot use unparliamentary language. This will lead to unnecessary trouble not only for you, but for your party as well, Rijiju added. While Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was in the chair, allowed Union Minister L Murugan from the treasury benches to intervene and reply, opposition members rose in protest against the decision. Murugan accused the state government of denying devotees the right to worship at the Arulmighu Subramaniya Swamy Temple. The state government is targeting a particular community and law and order of that region is being vitiated, he alleged. He claimed TN police had arrested devotees, who were proceeding to the temple to light the deepam as per the HC orders. The TN BJP president too has been arrested, he said. As he was speaking, some DMK members walked up to Rijijus seat, prompting the chair to ask the protesting members to confine themselves to the Well. Although the chair said Baalus remark would be removed from the record, the latter argued that the judge had himself acknowledged an association with the organisation. SC to consider TNs plea against HC order on lamp lighting at Thiruparankundram DMKs parliamentary party leader Kanimozhi, who spoke to the media later, condemned Rijiju for the intimidating tone he had used against Baalu. Blaming Murugan for providing false information on the issue during the Zero Hour, she said unnecessary problems were being created by the BJP in Thiruparankundram to infuse communal hatred among the people when people have offered prayers at the temple in the hill in harmony for long. She said that manufacturing such issues will not help the BJP since the Tamil people know who is working in their interests and who is creating differences. Meanwhile, normalcy began to return to Thiruparankundram on Friday even as heavy police deployment continued across the foothills and the hilltop, restricting access to the summit. Police are expected to continue high-alert deployment until clarity emerges on the issue.
Indigo crisis: cancellations leave passengers high and Dry
CHENNAI: Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at Chennai International Airport on Friday after IndiGo cancelled all its flights departing from the T1 terminal, triggering confusion, frayed tempers and soaring travel costs. Crowds, many sleepless, hungry and dehydrated, gathered outside IndiGos counters. According to officials, all services to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad scheduled before 6 pm were cancelled. With seats scarce on other carriers, fares surged dramatically, in some cases more than fivefold, leaving many stranded both physically and financially. The prices are astronomical between Rs 35,000 and Rs 50,000 for a ticket to Mumbai, said Prabhans, a traveller from Delhi who had flown to Chennai for a US visa interview. Travelling without luggage as per consulate rules, he found his return flight cancelled. I tried to book other airlines, but dynamic pricing pushed fares beyond Rs 35,000, he added. Fares on competing carriers climbed steadily. A SpiceJet ticket to Mumbai crossed Rs 50,000, while Bengaluru-bound trips touched Rs 25,000. Hyderabad-bound fares approached Rs 50,000. Several airline counters were closed early, displaying full signs. For some, the disruption had more severe consequences. Acharya (70), travelling with his family, lost his flight to Bengaluru, and missed his connecting Qantas service to Sydney. Now we have to wait four days before we can even think of travelling, he said. Nearby, Shirundu Mazumdar and his wife, Seema, sat huddled against a wall after a medical trip to Chennai. Their flight to Bagdogra was cancelled after their bags had been checked in. We left home at 6 am and only found out here. There are no arrangements, not even water, Seema said. Among those affected was Reeta Kumari (55) from Varanasi, returning from a pilgrimage to Madurai. She discovered her onward flights to Bengaluru and Varanasi had been cancelled only after landing. A group of 50 students from a Hyderabad on a field trip to Puducherry sat on the floor under the supervision of a teacher. We were not informed that the flight was cancelled, their teacher said. (With inputs from B Anbuselvan @ Chennai)
Stalin says people of Madurai want development projects
SC to Consider TNs Plea Against HC Nod for Karthigai Deepam Lamp
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday upheld a single-judge order allowing devotees to light the lamp at the Deepathoon
International documentary and short film festival in Madurai
DMK is resorting to minority appeasement, says BJP leader Annamalai
He criticises the government for defying the orders of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that allowed 10 persons to climb the Thirupparankundram hill and light the lamp on dheepathoon
DMK, BJP Members Face-Off in LS Over 'Karthigai Deepam' at Madurai Temple
DMK members stormed the Well of the Lok Sabha and tried to raise the issue of the lighting of the 'Karthigai Deepam' at the stone lamp pillar on the Tirrupparankundram hillock near Madurai
In a social media post, Mr. Rajaa contended CM M.K. Stalin was working day and night to bring investments, jobs, and prosperity to the State but the BJP and its allies are doing everything they can to incite riots and destroy the peace and tranquility of our State.
DMK, BJP members face-off in Lok Sabha over 'Karthigai Deepam' at Thirupparankundram temple
DMK members stormed the Well of the Lok Sabha and tried to raise the issue of the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the stone lamp pillar on the Thirupparankundram hillock near Madurai
Lok Sabha Chaos: DMK, BJP clash over Karthigai Deepam lighting at Madurai temple
Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange over the lighting of a traditional lamp at a hilltop temple near Madurai. DMK accused BJP of inciting communal tensions, while Union Minister L Murugan criticized the Tamil Nadu government for denying worship rights.
People of Madurai want development politics, not other kinds of politics: T.N. CM Stalin
In light of the Tirpparankundram row in Madurai, the CM asked in a social media post whether the city needed development politics or some other kind of politics
Ops floundering, AAI may hand over air courier service to private players
TRICHY: As the long-pending demand for launching an Air Courier Service at Tiruchy International Airport has continued for more than a decade due to various operational hurdles, airport authorities have now proposed an 'Own and Operate' model, seeking private operators to take over the facility. Although the airport has invested several lakhs in setting up equipment and allocating dedicated space, the facility has remained idle for nearly two years, with no business enquiries from any leading courier companies. To revive the initiative, Tiruchy airport authorities have sent a proposal to AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS), recommending that a reputed private operator be roped in under the 'Own and Operate' model to kick-start courier services. The courier demand emerged soon after the old passenger terminal was converted into a cargo terminal and began operations on November 21, 2011, leading to a steady rise in cargo volume. Encouraged by this growth, stakeholders pushed for dedicated air courier services. Acting on a request from AAI, the Union Finance Ministry notified Tiruchy Airport for courier import and export operations on July 12, 2013. However, the implementation faced major delays. According to SA Sayeed, president of the Express Courier Operators Association delayed issuing the necessary notification despite the ministry's approval. The association then approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras HC, which directed customs to release the notification. Following the order, customs compliance came through, enabling the airport to proceed with infrastructure creation in 2022. Subsequently, the airport authorities installed required systems at a cost of Rs 40 lakh in the old terminal adjacent to the cargo wing. Yet, the service could not roll out because customs did not deploy staff for the courier facility, leaving it unused for the past two years. Cargo officials have not taken proactive steps, stating that the recurring expenses are significantly higher than the revenue generated, Sayeed alleged, adding that he has written to Tiruchy MP Durai Vaiko seeking intervention to ensure staff allocation from both customs and cargo departments. Airport sources, however, stated that the facility functioned for the initial months during 2023 but saw no enquiries from courier operators or exporters. Airport Director SS Raju has now accelerated efforts to launch the service, acknowledging that the delay has caused prolonged dissatisfaction among stakeholders. He stated that only large-scale courier companies-such as DHL and Blue Dart-have the financial strength and network to sustain operations. Involving top private players will help attract customers and ensure steady utilisation. A proposal has thus been sent to AAICLAS seeking approval to engage private players capable of operating through a wider global network, he added. Once operational, the air courier services will include- Lifesaving medical supplies can be transported swiftly during emergencies People can send and receive well-packed food items or gift articles on special occasions Essential household items below 10 kg can be transported easily Except for gold, currency notes, and banned drugs, most commodities within permissible weight limits can be shipped
Constitutional Crisis: Are Court Orders And Hindu Rights Now Optional In Tamil Nadu?
Yesterday was a sad day for Hindus in Tamil Nadu, and for the rule of law. In two separate matters at the hoary Thiruparankundram on the outskirts of Madurai and the Mandu Kovil site at Perumal Kovilpatti in Dindigul, the Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) unambiguously allowed Hindus to light the Karthigai Deepam lamp. In Continue reading Constitutional Crisis: Are Court Orders And Hindu Rights Now Optional In Tamil Nadu? The post Constitutional Crisis: Are Court Orders And Hindu Rights Now Optional In Tamil Nadu? appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
Enduring symbol of a lasting bond between great music and fine food
Madurai ManiIyerlived in a house for 10 years inMayiladuthuraiafter leaving Madras in 1939following the evacuation during the Second World War. After returning to Madras in 1955, he sold the house toAgoramIyer, a celebrated cook, rejecting a higher bid
NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday filed an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court's order quashing the prohibitory order issued by the Madurai District Collector in the Thiruparankundram region. The prohibitory order had been issued following clashes that erupted during the implementation of a court order passed on Wednesday, which allowed devotees to visit the temple and light lamps at the stone pillar. Tamil Nadu government sources told The New Indian Express that they will seek an urgent hearing on Friday. However, as per the Supreme Court's causelist available until 10:50 pm on Thursday, the matter is not scheduled for hearing on Friday. A lawyer connected to the case, who requested anonymity, said the issue is highly sensitive and further details could not be provided at this time. Please wait until Friday at 10:30 am, the lawyer said. Earlier on Thursday, Justice G.R. Swaminathan quashed the Tamil Nadu government order, observing that it had been issued solely to circumvent the implementation of the court directive. The High Court also directed the Commissioner of Police, Madurai City, to provide police protection to devotees lighting lamps at the Deepathoon (stone pillar) located on the lower hilltop of the Thiruparankundram hills. The Tamil Nadu government has filed the appeal in the apex court through a Special Leave Petition (SLP) against the final judgment and order dated December 4, 2025, passed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Madras HC flays government, tells petitioner to light deepam under CISF security at Thiruparankundram
35-year-old man dies in road accident on Madurai-Tiruchi National Highway
'Ulterior Motive': HC Rejects Plea Against Devotees Lighting Lamps Near Thiruparankundram Dargah
Madras HC dismissed the appeal by Madurai officials, allowing Arulmighu Subramaniya Swamy Temple devotees to light Karthigai Deepam at Deepathoon atop Thiruparankundram hills.
Trouble began on Wednesday when activists from right-wing groups clashed with police after state government officials failed to light the sacred lamp at the hilltop stone lamp pillar. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had earlier directed that the lamp must be lit at the hilltop temple itself.
Section 144 Imposed As Clashes Erupt Over Temple Lighting At Thirupurankundram Hill In Madurai
Tension at Thirupurankundram hill in Madurai as Hindu activists clashed with police over Karthigai Deepam lighting. BJP leaders condemned DMK government actions.
The Madurai district administration clamped prohibitory orders in thetemple town of Tirupparankundramlate Wednesday evening amid protests by Hindu outfits to permit lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp at the dheepathoon (pillar) atop the hill, close to a dargah, as directed by Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
Scuffle at Thiruparankundram in Madurai; prohibitory orders imposed; 2 cops injured
Madurai witnesses heavy downpour in evening
Registrations open for The Hindu Deepa Kolam 2025
The Karthigai Dheepam special contest will select the best lamp arrangements among contestants from Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchi, and Coimbatore
Transport workers seek regulation of minibus service in Madurai
INTERVIEW | 1 extra week not enough, BLOs scramble to meet deadline
They want to remove people who they believe will not vote for them, DMK MP Kanimozhi tells TNIE , interpreting the statement of Home Minister Amit Shah the SIR exercise is to purify electoral rolls. Excerpts: The Election Commission has extended the deadline for submitting SIR forms by a week. Is it enough? It is not sufficient. We need more time. Many people travel, and not everyone lives in their birthplace; they often return home to vote. With such short notice, they may not be able to return on time, and in states like Tamil Nadu, the administration and the government are also battling the monsoons. TN was among the first to approach the Supreme Court seeking a halt to the SIR process. Why? We are challenging the constitutionality of the entire process. This exercise effectively strips people of their voting rightsa fundamental constitutional right. Another major concern is the rushed timeline. The previous SIR exercise took more than six months. If the government were serious, it could have announced it earlier, properly trained officials, and allowed sufficient time to verify and rectify. It doesnt end with losing voting rights. This will lead to mass disenfranchisement. If people are excluded from the rolls now, will they later be treated as non-citizens? What are the consequences of that? There is also the issue of delimitation. Once rolls shrink, the number of seats allocated to states will be affected. If lakhs of names are removed from the rolls, states stand to lose even more representation. What are the concerns youre hearing from the ground in TN? There is inhuman pressure on the BLOs. Weve already seen SIR-related BLO deaths reported across states. BLOs are overworked. They have been given this additional burden without adequate time for training. Has the state government taken steps to mitigate the woes of the BLOs? We are doing everything possible, including bringing in volunteers and providing additional help, wherever necessary. There is only so much pressure we can alleviate. In many households, especially in rural areas, no one is at home during the day. Even in cities, both adults often work. Reaching people under these conditions is not easy. Another problem is that 2002 to 2004 was used as the baseline year for the voter rolls. Most people would not have those documents readily available. How can we expect everyone to produce them? Amit Shah says the SIR is to purify voter rolls and remove illegal immigrants. This is exactly what they want. They want to remove people who they believe will not vote for them, people they do not want included in their idea of this country. Anyone they consider not eligible, according to their own standards, is being targeted. In their view, this becomes another form of cleansing. But this notion of cleansing itself is deeply troubling and difficult to comprehend. TN is heading to elections shortly. Do you think the SIR process will have an impact on the results? We are being extremely vigilant. Our party leadership is on the ground, working to ensure that things proceed correctly. We have learnt lessons from the Bihar elections. Minority communities are even more vigilant, and we are trying to ensure that no one is left out. But anything happening beyond our control is outside our scope. The CJI has raised a key question: If an intruder obtains an Aadhaar card, should that person automatically be allowed to vote? How will state governments tackle such concerns? They say Aadhaar is no proof of citizenship. The EC needs additional proof. States have no say in determining citizenship, the onus lies with the MHA. The Bihar election went ahead though the SC was still hearing the SIR case. So, apart from pursuing legal remedies, what other avenues are you mulling? Our party leaders and cadres are on the ground as registered agents, doing everything to ensure nothing goes wrong, and no one is denied voting rights. But the onus is entirely on the EC to ensure that the process is fair and transparent. The AIADMK has gone to the SC in favour of the SIR. Will it impact the case? They are behaving like a B-team, echoing their masters voice. In this case, the master is BJP, and AIADMK is not just reflecting that voice, it is also amplifying it even louder. How do you see the SCs reply to the presidential reference on timelines for the president and governor? Is it a setback to TN and other opposition states? We have repeatedly said that the BJP uses governors as political tools. Although the President appoints the governors, they dont act as impartial constitutional authorities. Instead, they often behave like opposition leaders, creating obstacles for non-BJP governments in various states. This is something we must seriously examine. The DMK has consistently maintained that we do not need governors, and it is high time we reconsider this position. People need to understand why a governor who acts against the will of the people is unnecessary. As Chief Minister M K Stalin has clarified, the SC opinion in response to the presidential reference will not affect the April 8, 2025 verdict in the case of State of Tamil Nadu vs. Governor of Tamil Nadu. Do you think the INDIA bloc needs to be strengthened after the Bihar results? There have been many voices coming out criticising Congress. The opposition must remain strong, and it is our duty to safeguard democracy and uphold its secular character. The DMK is unequivocal in its commitment to protecting Indias secular democracy. CM Stalin wrote a letter to PM Modi expressing anguish over the rejection of the proposals for Metro Rail systems in Coimbatore and Madurai. Yes. We have similar projects in other cities, such as Agra and Patna. But in our case, they claim that there isnt enough population to justify certain measures. Both Coimbatore and Madurai have large floating populations. People come there from across the country for business, education, and to visit temples. This clearly would have warranted different considerations. Its unfair to apply two different yardsticks in this way.
Karthigai Deepam To Be Lit At Ancient Pillar In Madurai's Thirupparankundram: High Court
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered that, apart from the customary lighting of the festival lamp near the Uchi Pillaiyar Temple, the Deepam must also be lit at the Deepathoon, an ancient stone lamp pillar.
Global summit of Tamil entrepreneurs and professionals to be held in Madurai in January
Trees felled at Panjapur Green Park despite Court order, allege activists
Following the order, around 297 trees were to be removed and transplanted to other locations. The civic body uprooted and relocated more than 120 native trees of neempungai, naaval, illupai, and marutham species along the service road of Tiruchi-Madurai National Highway near Mannarpuram
Inspectors posted in Madurai city
T.N. Forest Dept. to conduct tree census and green space survey in six major cities
Besides Chennai, the survey will cover Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Madurai, Tiruchi, and Salem
Air service cancelled in Madurai, Thoothukudi
Two from Madurai killed in a road accident near Thuvarankurichi
DMK MPs seek Modis intervention for approval of Madurai, Coimbatore Metro Rail projects
A resolution adopted at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin says the two-million population rule has been created solely for Tamil Nadu, and condemns the Union governments silence on the issue
Air India, IndiGo Issue Advisories As Cyclone Ditwah Batters Southern Routes
Cyclone Ditwah disrupts flights in Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Puducherry, and Sri Lanka. Air India and IndiGo issue advisories as IMD warns of heavy rain.
A Madurai scented by the malli and music
Over centuries, the temple town of Madurai has nurtured culture, with many musicians and composers tracing their roots to Tamil Nadus thoonga nagaram
Karnataka Tourism Society holds destination promotion roadshow in Madurai
Police constable ends life at Madurai Bench of Madras High Court
Southern Railway General Manager inspects station redevelopment works at Madurai, Tirunelveli
HCorders notice to Centre, State onPILplea to revise, resubmitMaduraiMetroDPR
Petitioner says Madurai has transformed into a major urban centre in the past two decades, and the public mobility infrastructure has become severely inadequate, warranting large-scale intervention
CM accuses Palaniswami, Centre of betraying Tamil Nadu
Stalin says Palaniswami has done nothing for the western region despite projecting himself as its representative; criticises Centre for denying nod to Coimbatore and Madurai Metro projects
'Sadly, It's Working In...': Google Meet Outage Triggers Meme Storm Among Office-Goers On X
Google Meet suffered a major outage, with users in Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Madurai, Bengaluru, and Chennai reporting access and server issues.
Spain, Japan confident ahead of Junior Hockey World Cup
Madurai, Nov 25: Two-time bronze-medal winners Spain exuded confidence ahead of the Junior World Cup here with their coach saying the team was well prepared and highly motivated for the competition beginning on Friday. We are very excited and proud to be part of such a prestigious tournament. Our preparations have gone well, and I []
Madurai rains expose poor road reality
Though the city corporation claimed to have repaired roads in key locations, water inundation was still observed in many places
Tamil Nadu Bus Accident: 6 dead, 50 injured after buses collide head-on in Tenkasi, probe underway
As per reports, a private bus travelling from Madurai to Senkottai and another heading from Tenkasi towards Kovilpatti collided and following the shocking collision, the locals and firefighters sprung into action to save the passengers.
Coming Home To Myself book launched in Madurai
Madurai DRM inspects construction works at Rameswaram railway station
New flyovers in Madurai city promise permanent respite from congestion
