LDF government should learn from the interventions made by M.K. Stalin in Tamil Nadu: K.C. Venugopal

Tamil Nadu recently cancelled permission given by Central government for tungsten mining near Madurai, the MP says during a day-and-night agitation against offshore mining

14 goats, two kids charred to death in Madurai

Congress will not allow mineral sand mining: Kerala Congress president Sudhakaran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress will not allow private players to mine mineral sand from Kerala coast, said the partys state president K Sudhakaran. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, provides for private sector participation in offshore mining. The tender proceedings will be completed by February 27 and contracts will be signed the next day. Mining would begin at Parappil in Kollam first. Next would be Ponnnani, Chavakkad, Kochi and Alappuzha. The mining will push the fisheries sector into a crisis. The state-run Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited will also be affected, he said. Sudhakaran alleged that the LDF government kept mum when the centre issued an auction notice for mineral sand blocks. The chief minister did not respond to the demand for passing a resolution by the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The Centre had to cancel the sanction granted for mining activity near Madurai following stiff opposition from the Tamil Nadu government. The state government is silent on the issue because of the understanding between the CPM and BJP, he said. Congress will put up a strong fight against mining, he said.

Need better representation among judges to uphold social justice: Ex-HC judge

MADURAI: Judges are those who solve the problems of people from different sections and backgrounds, and they must hail from different communities and religions to uphold the principles of social justice and inclusivity, said retired high court judge D Hariparanthaman on Saturday. Speaking on the sidelines of a signature campaign for social justice and inclusivity in the appointment of judges, Justice Hariparanthaman said there are 10 vacancies, out of the total sanctioned strength of 75 judges, in the Madras High Court. These vacancies would be filed by elevating six advocates from the bar association and four judges of the district court. There is greater representation of members from the dominant community as judges in the high court and the new elevations will further increase their representation. There must not be over-representation from one particular community in such appointments. A major population of the state, such as people from Scheduled Castes, Mukkulathors and Vanniyars do not have sufficient representation among judges appointments, and few other communities are not even represented. Around 13 more vacancies are likely this year following the retirement of the existing judges, and there is a high chance that the judges may hail from a particular community, he stated. Referring to the parliamentary committees statement on the lack of diversity in the judiciary, Justice Hariparanthaman said irrespective of the government, the issue prevails in the appointments. However, there has been an increase in the overrepresentation of a particular community after 2014, and there have been few elevations for minorities and women in recent years. Some advocates, who belong to a dominant caste and are eligible, but are not in favour of the state machinery, are not able to become judges in the high courts. The central government has a hold on the judges' appointments, similar to the hold they have over some central agencies, he added.

Anyone free to join, quit democratic NTK: Seeman

MADURAI: In the wake of speculations that Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) womens wing leader Kaliammal may quit, NTK chief Seeman said Kaliammal has every right to decide whether she wishes to stay or quit. Speaking to media persons at the Madurai airport on Saturday, Seeman reacted to Kaliammals plan to quit, saying it is autumn season and leaves falling is natural. If anyone wishes to join the party, we welcome them, and if they quit, we convey our wishes as it is a democratic party. Each has a right to join or to quit, just like how leaves naturally fall during autumn. In the early days, no one informed the party when they quit. But now, they leave a letter due to media attention, Seeman said. Further, the NTK leader affirmed that the party is against the three-language policy. Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has not raised any concerns whenever welfare schemes of the state are taken away by the central government, such as the Cauvery water rights issues. The BJP is playing divisive politics, and there is no assurance that Tamil literature or the history of late leaders from Tamil Nadu would be included in the curriculum of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NTK turmoil, DMK luring renegades

Express Dialogues | 'Tamil Nadu Governor perfecting Trojan horse art': Justice K Chandru

73-year-old Justice K Chandru has donned many roles over the past five decades political activist, labour lawyer, senior advocate, judge of the Madras High Court, writer, intellectual, and head of government-appointed committees. What has remained unchanged, however, is his tireless work and unwavering commitment to the welfare of those from the marginalised backgrounds. Excerpts You have headed many one-man committees appointed by the present government in Tamil Nadu. The last was to recommend measures to prevent caste-based differences in educational institutions. However, most recommendations are yet to be implemented. The one-man committees are not commissions of inquiry. They are only recommendatory bodies. First, the government appointed me to look into the online rummy issue and later juvenile homes. Then, after the Nanguneri incident (in which a school student from a Dalit community was hacked by caste Hindu students), the government appointed me to look into caste differences in educational institutions. I told Chief Minister MK Stalin that I will not receive any remuneration. He asked me why. I said tomorrow everybody will say I am the Asthana Vidhvan (court poet) of the government. I prepared that report after nine months of study. The BJP, even before reading it fully, started the first attack by saying it is anti-Hindu. I don't mind the BJP rejecting it. What I'm worried about is that after nine months of slogging, what is the status of the report? Why is the press not asking the government what happened to the report? Today, there are many news reports about school children being sexually abused. The report contains many recommendations on these issues. It looks like the 680-page report is going to serve only academic purposes. Hence, I have printed the report and I am circulating it to people. I had given interim recommendations and final recommendations. One of the reasons for non-implementation is because teachers are so powerful and they didn't want to be inconvenienced in any way. The government doesn't want to lose their support. The teachers attitude to the committee was totally negative. I sent notices to all school teachers associations, college teachers associations and university teachers associations. No one responded. Even students organisations didn't respond because they didnt want to take a stand. It is an emotive and sensitive subject. Then there is the bureaucracy. The government is run by the bureaucracy and nothing happens without them. When you give a report, it goes to them and they start analysing. It (the report) remains as it is unless you have the political leadership. The government has, in fact, not even responded to say whether they accept the recommendations in full or in part. On the other hand, there are knee-jerk reactions. For instance, when one Mahavishnu gave a controversial lecture in a government school, the government issued guidelines saying schools should invite only those from a list approved by the government. Tomorrow, if I want to speak in a school, I may not be able to go since I should first find a place in the official list. Such knee-jerk reactions should be avoided. Is the state government trying to use Justice K Chandru's one-man committees as tools to assuage public anger and delay effective response to the problems? I, at least, got the opportunity to study the issue and document it in detail. If I was not part of the committee, no officer will ever reply to me. They reply to me because I approach them under a government banner. When you look at the report, you will find what has happened in the last 50 years in the educational sphere. What is wrong with the teachers, what is wrong with teachers training, all that is there on record now. Whether the government implements it or not, a record is now available. To that extent, I am satisfied. The government is torn between different forces. For instance, take the case of Kallar reclamation schools in Madurai, Theni and Dindigul. The purpose for which these schools were established is gone now. Now, it's no longer a Kallar (community) school. It's a mixed population. To even have a department named Kallar Reclamation is wrong. I gave an order when I was a judge that the departments name should be changed. However, there is political opposition. I would like to point out that the decision to rename was not mine. It was announced by the Tamil Nadu government in the budget when Palanivel Thiaga Rajan was the finance minister. However, the government is now backtracking. The government may be thinking why touch this subject when the Assembly elections are due in a year. Why wake a sleeping dog? Is the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election the key factor preventing the government from implementing some of the recommendations? It may be a pragmatic way of looking at things. There is one year left. There's a greater attack from the central government and the BJP. The political leadership will think if they start implementing the recommendations, how would it benefit (them). If you say teachers will be shuffled, they will start a problem. For instance, when teachers from Chennai are posted in nearby districts like Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, they stay in the city only. They travel and come back. They are not available on Saturdays and Sundays. The students feel that some professional is coming and going. They dont have a sense that it is their village teacher. In that sense, I have recommended that primary education should go back to the block level. The original intention in the 1958 Panchayat Act was that school education should remain with the panchayats. The constitutional amendments that came later regarding local governance also suggest that it (primary education) will be with the panchayats. To implement this requires a political decision. As I said, teachers unions have become so powerful. There are 2.5 lakh teachers in Tamil Nadu and the budget is Rs 52,000 crore. Nobody wants to dismantle this structure. I said if there is local control, there will be better mobility and supervision. There is a rule which says one (a teacher) should not stay beyond 20 km (from the school) or one should stay in the headquarters. I said the rule must be enforced. Which teachers organisation will agree? The left parties are also silent on this. The result is an all-party boycott of the report. The only party which said Chandru's report should be implemented was Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. You recommended that schools should have an external person looking into the grievances of the students, but the government claims there is already an internal redressal system through the Manavar Manasu grievance boxes. Take the Nanguneri case. That (affected) boy was not going to school. Later, after his mother's persuasion to go to school, the family submitted a complaint. The moment they (caste Hindu students) came to know about the complaint, the boy was attacked. How to maintain secrecy? Who can resolve the issue? Can the headmaster resolve it? Recently, Assembly Speaker (M Appavu) said the headmasters must be able to solve problems and police should not come in. But if you speak to any headmaster, they will say it is impossible for them. When my committee was constituted, one of the terms of reference was that I must meet all the CCLs (children in conflict with law). I met all the three accused in the Nanguneri case. I asked them about the observation home, how the food was, how they were kept etc. They had a lot of dissatisfaction. They said they were beaten by the police. However, my main questions to them were about how their family, neighbours and friends treated them after they were granted bail. Did they reprimand them or suggest changes in their lives? They said no. In fact, there was a meeting in the community after their release, where the people said if there is any action against the three, there will be a reprisal. So instead of condemning them, there's protectionism. As long as this social backing is there, I don't think you can solve the problem only in schools. Moreover, when a teacher is appointed, we only check for their educational qualification and not whether they have the right orientation and perspective. Therefore, I said you should have a welfare officer from outside who can come and clear grievances, but nobody is interested. Manavar Manasu remains only on paper. What is your take on the alleged influence of the present ruling dispensation at the centre over the judiciary, especially in judicial appointments? They (the BJP) are attempting saffronisation of all the power centres. As far as the judiciary is concerned, the collegium system (of appointment) has a weak basis. The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was brought in by the 99th amendment. However, it was struck down (by the Supreme Court) on the ground that it is against independence of judiciary because the composition of the NJAC was heavily (weighted) in favor of the executive. Today, if a vacancy is going to come up, a recommendation for appointment can be made six months in advance. However, it is not done. Instead, the judiciary does bunching (clubbing of vacancies) so that recommendations of everyone in the collegium and even state and central governments can be accommodated. The government could now amend the NJAC by changing the composition and giving more representation to judges. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not want to bring back NJAC because the government finds the collegium system more convenient. They have much to gain in the present system. There is an unwritten condition that one appointee will be a saffron candidate. They (BJP) will be able to push more names through the collegium than another transparent system. Lobbying works much better than any transparent appointment system. If there is a BJP name, it will be cleared on a fast track. For example Victoria Gowri, who was vice president of the BJP mahila morcha. Lawyers in Chennai objected, saying she has made hate speeches against Muslims. However, her name was cleared. When it was challenged in court, the court said only qualification and not suitability is before them to decide. Qualification is nothing but experience as a lawyer, which she had. The suitability will be decided only by the collegium. So, she was appointed. At the same time, John Sathyans name was recommended. IB (Intelligence Bureau), however, filed a report objecting to his name since he had posted on social media against Modi. Collegium, in fact, rejected this report. However, two years have passed and his name has not been cleared by the government. In the case of Saurabh Kripal, RAW (Research & Analysis Wing) objected because he has a foreign partner and because his sexual orientation is different. His name has not been cleared for four and a half years. You don't have a proper selection method. I am not saying we must conduct an exam and an interview. But there must be a genuine concern for the institution. What has happened so far has only led to inbreeding. Therefore, if you ask who failed the judiciary, it is the judiciary itself. On the controversial communally-charged remarks being made by some judges of late In a way, the judiciary is also a reflection of society. Judges are also drawn from society. We have different gradation of judges. Sub-standard, standard, a little higher standard. Within these, we also have politically-motivated judges. Irrespective of whether what they are saying is correct or not, they want to register their opinion. For instance, on the issue of the ritual of devotees rolling over plantain leaves on which people had eaten, the ritual was stayed at least twice by courts. Now a third judge says it's a fundamental right to roll on leftover leaves and it is a part of a religious right. Where do you get all this? There are judges who experiment like this. Therefore, you should have vigilant people to correct them. In another instance, a judge in Madurai, while hearing a case against the transfer of a policeman against whom there were a lot of complaints, said though she was of the opinion that the transfer order does not require any interference, her prarabdha karma required her to interfere. And therefore she set aside the transfer order. The police appealed. The division bench said the court is guided by the constitution and not karma. Why was the same enlightenment not there for the single judge? Then there are also judges who write orders for social media or breaking news. They don't confine themselves to the case at hand. Besides, they deliver lectures outside. It is not just about saffronisation, but also about putting wrong ideas into orders. Earlier, people were afraid to criticise judges, but today there is a strong criticism. Despite that, no one can remove the judges. In the recent case of Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav of Allahabad High Court, who made a controversial statement, the Chief Justice asked him to avoid such off-the-cuff remarks. Fifty five MPs gave a letter for impeachment. We do not know what the Supreme Court is going to do because technically the collegium is not a disciplinary authority. It can only deny work or transfer the judge to another place. Chairman of Rajya Sabha and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said removal of a judge is an exclusive right of the Parliament. That doesn't mean Parliament is asserting its right for removal. When he says the Supreme Court has not got the power (of removal), he is not talking about the constitution. He's talking about saving this man. Impeachment as a method of removal of a judge did not work in this country. There is no removal at all. Where is the accountability? On the never-ending tussle between Governor RN Ravi and the Tamil Nadu government When the post of Governor was copied from the 1935 Government Act into the Constitution, they (framers of the Constitution) gave only a limited role for the post. When Congress lost Assembly elections in eight states in 1967, they realised that opposition parties are in power in states. Then the governors started acting differently because they were asked to. Therefore, using governors to disturb state governments started in 1967. Then the disturbances took different forms. For instance, governors are also chancellors of universities.Article 163 says governors are bound to act as per the aid and advice of the council of ministers headed by the chief minister. In the case of universities, they don't want to do that. In 1976, wheneducation was moved from the State to the Concurrent list of the Constitution, more concentration of power with the centre happened. When the central government started (getting into) school education, they said CBSE schools will be only in cantonment areas and union territories. Today, you will find that 30% of schools are CBSE-affiliated. The Kothari Commission in 1965 said the central government should not enter into the area of school education. In south India, which doesn't fall into the BJP's bandwagon, all four governors were sent with a message to create problems.The latest issue is about the governors insistence to include UGC chairpersons nominees on the V-C search committees. The appointment of Kalyani Mathivanan as the V-C of Madurai Kamaraj University was challenged, saying she didn't have the minimum qualification as per UGC norms.The Madras High Court ruled she was not fit to be a V-C. The Supreme Court curiously said, in the case of V-C appointments, the UGC regulations are recommendatory and the state government has not accepted (the regulations). Therefore Kalyani Mathivanan can be the V-C. (However) the present governor (of Tamil Nadu) says unless you have a UGC representative on the committee there cannot be a selection (of V-C). How do we withdraw this power? That's why Chief MInister MK Stalin now says bring education back to the State List. The latest UGC (draft) regulations are an assault by the centre.With this, the BJP can capture the universities. They can appoint V-Cs of their choice. One way of saffronisation of education is through this method. Governors are used like Trojan horses. Governor RN Ravi is perfecting that art even though the Supreme Court has put inconvenient questions to him. However, I don't think he has any image among the people of Tamil Nadu. On the DMK's demand for a code of conduct for Governors, especially to fix a time frame for them to respond to bills When (Dr BR) Ambedkar defended the post of governor, he did not contemplate that governors would become agents of ruling parties. He thought that every constitutional functionary will work within the sphere meant for them. When a political party uses governors as weapons to destabilise state governments, they are actually working against the constitution itself. Today, the constitutional functionaries are not willing to work assigned to them as per the framework of the constitution. The demand for state autonomy became strong after 1967 when there were opposition parties (ruling) in the states. There was no fairness. That unfairness continues. Now the only difference is people with affiliation to RSS are appointed as governors for different reasons. It is not merely political. RSS people are appointed as governors especially in the northeastern states. They have other agendas. On caste-based discrimination and atrocities in Tamil Nadu and the criticism that the Dravidian parties have failed to effectively address the caste problem Politicians become ruling representatives through elections. They get votes from different sections. That doesn't mean they can reform society by themselves. Reformation of society doesn't come only by parliamentary law or judicial control. It is a wider issue. Therefore, if you ask me, how do I assess the Dravidian parties, I think they have done phenomenally well on the social side. On the question of reservation, on the question of reforms in various laws like the Hindu Marriage Act... The attempt to de-link marriage from any religious connotation was done by Tamil Nadu for the first time. Even today no state in India has such an amendment. The amendment made to the Hindu Succession Act by late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, enabling share for women in family properties... There was a lot of opposition at that time, but the law remains. In fact, I have listed 50 years of legislative history of the Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) period. I was able to highlight some legislative reforms which are not there in any other state. Tamil Nadu, in some way, showed some reforms. But if you analyse this on a micro level and consider, say, rationalism (of Dravidian parties), the HR&CE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments) minister )of the present DMK government) talks about 16 lakh people attending the Thai Poosam festival. It is with their votes that the party is in power now. But to some extent, in Tamil Nadu, to the credit (of Dravidian parties), we don't have hate mongers. We are able to keep the (government) machinery intact. We don't have what we see in the north. Minorities in this state can still live with assurance and big credit goes to the Dravidian parties. On other issues like corruption, it is there everywhere. On the state of the legal education system in Tamil Nadu The problem in legal education is there across India. But what happened in Tamil Nadu is we had only one law college till 1980. Law was not that attractive as a course. Now it has got a lot of attraction. As a result they started more government law colleges. Most of the deemed-to-be universities started their own law colleges. Now the present government has got a new law through which law colleges are allowed in each district. The government is also tuned to allow more private law colleges. We have law colleges of different kinds. Most of the lawyers send their children to private law schools and those who can't afford them come to government law colleges. The quality of staff is another issue. There are more temporary teachers, guest lecturers. There are about 20% vacancies in government colleges. There have been demands for rewriting the country's legislations in simpler language to enable even the common public to understand. What is your take on that? Simplifying legal procedures and legal language should be the priority for democratising the legal field. Simple language not being used is a curse. Most of our legislations are drafted along the British model.For instance, double negatives are frequently used. There is a British saying I am the countrys parliamentary draftsman. Undoubtedly, for half of the litigations, I am the cause. When you go to a lawyer or a document writer for selling a property, the person will write 40 pages. However, a sale deed must contain only a few ingredients, viz. seller, buyer, the description of the property etc. You can write a sale deed for a property worth a million rupees in one page. Instead, we write around 40 pages just to impress people and to make it a holy document. On the role of mainstream media and the proliferation of social media and YouTube channels. There is always a superiority complex in the newspapers which are reporting in English. But if you compare, the reporting by Tamil papers may be coarse, but they report the actual scenario better. The mainstream papers reporting in English play to certain norms and kill the spirit of the news, which is not there in the language papers. Those days there were only a few reporters, but still news was never killed. Newspapers were a little liberal and not very commercial. Today reporting has become very sophisticated. Social media, on the other hand, is like a public platform. It is like a wall newspaper. The authenticity and credibility, we do not know for sure. But I could see that what is left out in the mainstream is there on social media. I am not saying social media is responsible. At the same time, we know many YouTubers are being attacked. Today, with the IT wing and trolls, political parties are able to damage the credibility of anyone. In spite of all that, there is some recording of contemporary incidents (through social media). What keeps Justice K Chandru active even at the age of 73 and how does he balance his work and personal life? There is a saying that a politician should keep shaking his leg even when asleep. Otherwise, they may quickly place a wreath on him.So if you come from political training (recalling his association with the Communist party), the day is not just 24 hours, it is beyond that. So when people like me became a lawyer, we were working for long hours. Though payments were not good, we had many cases since people (from disadvantaged backgrounds) have so many problems. So when I became a judge, I continued working for long hours. As a lawyer, as a political activist, as a judge, I used to work 20 to 22 hours per day. One should not get regimented. If you want to sleep, you can sleep. You want to work, you can work. When you are committed to a social cause, then you tend to spend more time. One should love the work. My wife knew me well even before we got married. My daughter used to feel bad sometimes. When my daughter was born, I was at my busiest with my practice. I could not spend time with my daughter. Therefore I applied and became a senior advocate to reduce my workload. I would come home to spend time with her. In the night, I would take care of her and my wife would work. I did enough supporting roles. I used to cook, wash clothes. There was no cause for complaint. When I became a judge, it was a big (monetary) sacrifice. My daughter used to feel it was wrong on my part to accept the Judgeship. I used to tell her it's not just money that matters, but also social commitment. After seeing Jai Bhim (movie), she was happy. She is a doctor and she said she should have become a lawyer. We can also inspire people with our work.

Epigraphists from ASI copied inscriptions in Madurai, Tiruchi districts

SRMU members protest against privatisation of railways in Madurai

Farmers complain about irregularities in DPCs in Madurai district

Tirupati laddu row: the Dindigul-based A.R. Dairy Food gets interim relief

The order of suspension of licence will operate only for products relating to ghee and skimmed milk powder: the Madurai Bench

Union government offers complete support to Kerala in garnering investments: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

KOCHI: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced 31 upcoming road projects with a total length of 896 kilometres, costing Rs 50,000 crore. The Union Minister was addressing the inaugural event of the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 at the Lulu International Convention Centre virtually on Friday. Expressing the Union government's complete support to the state in garnering investments, Gadkari said, The one major factor that plays a very vital role in attracting investments is good road infrastructure. In Kerala, we have completed projects costing more than Rs 20,000 crore, and at the same time, there are ongoing projects worth Rs 60,000 crore. He added that five packages have been mooted for the Palakkad-Kasaragod stretch. Four-laning of the Palakkad-Malappuram-Kozhikode NH 996, with a length of 120 kilometres, at a cost of Rs 10,840 crore, he added. All five packages are in the bidding stage. Within three months, we will start work on this project. This is one of the important routes, costing Rs 10,800 crore. The seamless connectivity between Palakkad and Kozhikode in Kerala and the connectivity between northern Kerala and the industrial town of Salem is very important, said Gadkari. Another important project is the six-laning of the Ernakulam bypass from Angamaly to Kundanoor in the NH section 554, with a length of 45 kilometres, costing Rs 6,500 crore, he added. Within six months, we will start this project. The stretch bypasses the entire Kochi city and ensures seamless connectivity to NH 544 from Thrissur, passing on to NH 66. This decreases the travel time from the existing 1.5 hours to 20 minutes. The work will begin in six months. Another project is the Rs 5,000 crore Thiruvananthapuram outer ring road project, with a length of 68.7 kilometres. We are going to start the land acquisition process, and once 90 per cent of the land is acquired, we will start the project. The DPR is all ready. The outer ring road will ensure seamless connectivity to Vizhinjam port, said Gadkari. The other project announced by the Union Minister was the Rs 3,000 crore four-laning of the Edamon-Kollam NH. The work will begin in four to five months. The DPR is in progress. The road will ensure seamless connectivity between Kollam in Kerala and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It will decrease the travel time from six hours to two hours.

MKU students protest against Economics department head over bribery, casteist remarks allegations

MADURAI: Alleging that a department head demanded money, passed casteist comments and tampered with their attendance for a few years, over 100 students of Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) College, along with members of the SFI, staged a protest on the college premises on Thursday. The students alleged that undergraduate Economics department head (in charge) P Regina Devi demanded Rs 1,500 from final year B.A. Economics students. Speaking to TNIE on request of anonymity, a student said the staff, who handled the last class of the day, keeps the attendance register in the staff room, and students do not handle it. On Tuesday morning, Regina Devi called a few students and scolded them about the missing attendance register. There is a CCTV camera outside the class. When two students, Harishpandi and Mahipathi, went into the classroom to turn off the lights, Regina alleged that they stole the register, called their parents and emotionally blackmailed them. She asked each student to give her Rs 1,500, failing which she would not allow them to write the semester examination, the student said. Speaking to TNIE, SFI District joint secretary A Reyhan said this is not the first time Regina has asked for money from students, and it has been happening for several years. In November 2024, she collected Rs 1,500 from second-year Economics students by hiding the attendance register, and performed the same drama. Even as we staged a protest, no action was taken, he pointed out. Reyhan urged the MKU authorities to form a committee and enquire into the allegations against Regina Devi. Responding to the issue, Principal (i/c) B George said he forwarded the students' complaint letter to the MKU authorities and appropriate action will be taken. George said he was unaware of the incident wherein Regina Devi allegedly collected money from students in November 2024, as he assumed charge on 26 January, 2025. It may be noted that TNIE published a report on June 10, 2022, about Regina Devi after students raised the same charges. TNIEs attempt to contact Regina Devi ended in vain.

Birds flock to Madurai, Ramanathapuram: Migration season takes flight

MADURAI: After much delay owing to unseasonal rainfall, migratory season has begun in Madurai with the waterbodies of the district welcoming the migratory birds. According to ornithologists, change in weather patterns during last December had delayed the season. It may be noted that the annual migratory season usually begins in November and extends till April every year. During the period, numerous bird species migrate from other countries to Ramanathapuram for breeding, and some of them would arrive in Madurai during their return journey. However, as the district received unseasonal rainfall in last November and December, the migratory season got delayed, and the district started witnessing a decent arrival of birds only by January. Speaking about this year's migratory season, bird watcher N Raveendran of environmental NGO 'Iragugal', said, Despite the delay, many sanctuaries have received a decent nesting population this year. In the last five years, there has been a gradual drop in duck species' arrival during the migratory season, but this year there has been a notable rise as thousands of the duck species were seen in the tanks of Ramanathapuram. Also, nesting was spotted in Samanatham tank in Madurai and few other species were found in Vaigai River too. He added that the rainfall in November and December months significantly affected the arrival of migratory birds. Later, in January, the arrival seemingly gained momentum in both the districts. The forest department should take measures towards planting more trees in such habitats to preserve the migratory birds' nesting sites, he urged. Meanwhile, forest department officials said the department has been taking a series of measures towards assessing the bird arrival during the annual migratory season. Also, additional measures are being taken to increase the green cover in such sanctuaries to protect the nesting grounds. Furthermore, the department is set to begin migratory birds census in the districts, an official said.

CM Stalin to launch mini bus services on May 1

MADURAI: The Tamil Nadu government is inviting applications for new mini bus routes, and mini bus services across the state will be launched on May 1 by Chief Minister M K Stalin, Transport Minister S S Sivasankar said on Thursday. He organised a review meeting with transport officials of the southern regions, in the presence of Transport Chief Secretary and Commissioner Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru and District Collector MS Sangeetha. Following this, Sivasankar addressed media persons and said the state government would extend mini bus services to every nook and cranny of the state. Currently, mini buses are being operated on 2,870 routes. Of these, 504 applications were received for migrating routes. Under this scheme, 1,810 new routes have been identified and 1,225 routes were published in the government gazette. A total of 878 new applications were received from the southern and western regions for the service and two weeks has been extended for applications. After scrutiny and other processes, the chief minister will inaugurate the mini bus services on May 1, he said. He added that the government is considering transport as a service department, and compared to other states, TN government is paying salaries to employees on time.

HIL to go four venues in 2026, says HI president Tirkey

BHUBANESWAR: There was a time in the recent past when hockey within the Indian context meant Bhubaneswar. These days, Hockey India (HI) are putting in place an elaborate plan to take the sport to multiple centres across different states. A sport not bound by borders, if you will. The next 12 months will re-emphasise this feeling as the sport in different avatars (the franchise based Hockey India League as well as international hockey to be held in India) will crisscross the length and breadth of the country. Here's a sample of what's to come. The men's Asia Cup will be held in Rajgir in Bihar (the winners will qualify for the World Cup) in August. Following that, the junior World Cup will be held in two cities in Tamil Nadu (Madurai and Chennai in November and December). The season will close with the resurrected Hockey India League in four Indian cities (the just-concluded season was in Ranchi and Rourkela). After the HIL (finished), HI president, Dilip Tirkey said on Thursday, we got a feeling that it might be a good idea to spread the league to other centres. The quality of hockey was very nice, so this will be a nice way to spread the sport. Also, if the players move around, there will be less chance of boredom setting in by staying at just one place for a prolonged period. So, it is possible that the next edition will be held in four venues. It's understood that Chennai and Lucknow may be among the four cities to be in the running to host some league matches in the second year. One of the other proposed big changes pertain to the league window. The men's HIL began just after Christmas and ran till the first week of February. It saw some foreign stars pull out of the competition as they wanted to spend New Year's at home. To make it more foolproof, the league is contemplating a start date in the first week of January to allow foreign players the option of spending time with their families before linking up with the teams. At the auction, 96 international players were signed but over 25% of the players had pulled out of the league because of the timing. There are also plans to cut the flab apropos the length of the league. While HI haven't received any feedback, this will be music to the ears of national coach, Craig Fulton, who had voiced his concerns after India's 1-4 loss to Germany on Tuesday. With India missing Harmanpreet Singh and Hardik Singh to niggles and Sumit a long-term absentee, the South African had said that the league 'had taken its toll' on the players without elaborating. These plans are, however, yet to be rubber-stamped and will need the approval of all stakeholders including the team owners and broadcasters (there is a meeting coming up between the different interested parties to discuss these things). Signs of improvement for India women despite mixed results HI are also drawing up some plans to fast-track the growth of Indian coaches. This has remained a genuine gripe and the issue was front and centre as most of the HIL teams had foreign chief coaches in the dugout. One thing we noticed is that all teams had a foreigner as the chief coach, Tirkey, who's up for re-election as HI president next year, said. So we have to do something about it by helping our Indian coaches reach a level that they are considered for roles like these. We will support them in all ways possible, including identifying places elsewhere in the world where coaching programmes are good and send a few of them to learn from them. Its in the pipeline, but something we want to do. On the subject of the age-group World Cup later this year, HI had no choice but to hold it in two cities because of the absence of multiple pitches at the same venue in Chennai. With it being a 24-team edition, Madurai was considered. It's not yet known who will play where. Staying on the subject, Tirkey assured that PR Sreejesh will get to coach the side at the event. The 2021 batch didn't get that as then senior coach, Graham Reid, was asked to take charge of the team at the event. Friday's matches Women: England vs Netherlands, India vs Germany Men: India vs Ireland Matches begin from 3.00 PM

Madurai Muralidharan blends dance with Budapest Scoring Orchestra to present a Kalidasas Sanskrit play

Madurai R Muralidharans take on Kalidasas play stood out for its visualisation and teamwork

Why cant caste tags be removed from names of educational institutions: Madras High Court asks TN govt

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Thursday asked the Tamil Nadu government whether caste names in government-run institutions could be removed, similar to how such tags were dropped from street names. Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy, while hearing petitions, including one regarding elections to the South Indian Senguntha Mahajana Sangam, raised the question to Advocate General (AG) PS Raman. Now, what is it about the caste names that are used by the government for educational institutions like schools? As a matter of fact, it is the government which set up a one-man commission (on addressing caste strife among students) and the report is submitted to the government, he said. When the AG replied that donors' names are displayed in such institutions, which may include their full name carrying the caste tag, the judge said, Even for the streets (names), you took a decision to drop off the second name (caste tag) and now the streets are known only with the (prominent) persons first name. He noted that certain types of welfare schools still carry the name of particular castes, even though the situation has largely changed, and asked whether caste tags can be removed from school names. He directed the AG to clarify the government's stance on this matter in the affidavit to be filed in court regarding societies that carry the name of a particular caste and have bylaws allowing only members of that community to join. Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy said caste names should be used only to promote the constitutional aim of creating a casteless society, uplifting the downtrodden, eliminating discrimination, and providing reservations. Referring to the activities of caste organisations, he said, They are not seeing the elephant in the room. They want to keep the elephant in the room and go around it only. Overshadows rationale thinking Explaining how caste factors overshadow rationale thinking, reasoning, and even family relationships, he said caste frenzy has reached the extent of blinding parents, who do not hesitate to kill their own children. Referring to certain other petitions, the judge noted that caste discrimination exists in Christian and Muslim communities as well. He also pointed out that even rationalist organisations carry caste sentiments. Replying to certain queries of the judge, the AG noted that Section 9 of the Tamil Nadu Registration of Societies Act bars the registration of societies with undesirable names - those that are obscene, against decency or decorum, or that promote disharmony, enmity, hatred, or ill-will between different religious, racial, linguistic, regional, caste, or community groups. He noted that following a Madurai Bench order, the government had directed societies to change their bylaws. However, he said he would seek instructions from the government on whether caste associations - with caste names and bylaws permitting only members of that caste - can be registered under the Act.

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Consider plea to bring Thiruparankundram Hill under ASI: Madras HC

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking a direction to bring the Thiruparankundram Hill in Madurai under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The court directed the authorities concerned to consider and decide on the petitioner's representation after hearing all stakeholders. A bench of Justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy passed the order on a petition filed by one KK Ramesh of Hindu Dharma Parishad. The additional advocate general contended that the petitioner had moved the court within just three days of approaching the authorities. Following this, the judges told the petitioner to give a fresh representation to the authorities concerned and passed the above order. The judges also closed two other petitions, filed against the prohibitory order issued by the Madurai collector on February 3 and 4 and the press statement issued by the city police commissioner warning the public not to participate in the protest announced by the Hindu Munnani on February 4. Since the issue was resolved after the court permitted the outfit to conduct the protest at an alternate location, the judges closed the petition by observing that nothing survives for consideration in both cases. The issue pertains to the conflict between two religious groups regarding animal sacrifice at the hill, where both the Subramaniya Swamy Temple and Sultan Sikkandar Badusha Dargah are located. Another petition filed by a Jain Mutt, seeking a direction to declare the hill above as a Jain hill, is still pending.

Residents flag lack of adequate motors at pumping stations in Madurai city corporation

MADURAI: Lack of adequate number of motors at pumping stations have been adversely affecting sewage pumping in Madurai city, leaving the sewage water to mix into waterbodies. Official sources from the city corporation however stated that proposals have been made for revamping the underground drainage (UGD) system and the pumping stations in the city. Clogging in UGD lines, overflowing and sewage-mixing in canals remain one of the major complaints raised by the residents. Recently, former minister Sellur K Raju, during his recent meeting with the city corporation commissioner for submitting a petition regarding civic issues, had pointed out that the aforesaid issues, including the mixing of sewage in Vaigai River, have been making life difficult for the residents. He had also urged the corporation to address the pumping motor issues in order to rectify the UGD-related problems. Speaking to TNIE, Solai M Raja, Ward 64 Councillor, stated that the absence of the required number of motors at the pumping stations have severely impacted the pumping of sewage, often resulting in clogging in UGD lines. Out of the 200 motors at pumping stations, a decent number of motors are currently under maintenance. The corporation should take immediate action towards maintaining an adequate number of motors to prevent such situations, he said. Commenting on the matter, corporation officials said that measures have been taken towards ensuring the proper maintenance of the motors, and an adequate number of motors are available at pumping stations to pump out the sewage. Considering the increased load, the city corporation is planning to revamp the UGD system in core areas, in line with the recent survey conducted by a private firm. Importantly, plans are in the pipeline to increase the horsepower of motors at pumping stations, the officials added, and ensured that actions are being taken to find a permanent solution for such issues.

Two non-Brahmin priests appeal to CM to take part in consecration ritual

TIRUCHY: Two non-Brahmin priests of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple of Kumara Vayalur here on Tuesday alleged that they have never been allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity since their appointment on August 14, 2021. They appealed to chief minister MK Stalin, HR&CE minister PK Sekar Babu and other authorities to take steps for their entry inside, including their participation in Kumbabhishekam (consecration ceremony) scheduled for Wednesday. The two priests, S Prabu (34) and S Jayapal (34), from Tiruchy alleged that they have been excluded from the rituals in Yaga Salai as well for the consecration. We should be allowed to participate in both the Kumbabhishekam and the Murugan sanctum sanctorum rituals and be treated equally, they said in their petition filed with the chief minister's special cell on Tuesday. The two were appointed by the government following training under a state scheme to appoint aspirants from all Hindu castes in state-run temples. They were appointed as priests at the Vayalur Murugan Temple in Tiruchy under the scheme (Anaivarum Archagar Aagalam'). In the petition, they alleged, Since our appointment, we have only been allowed to serve in the Vinayagar and Navagraha sanctum sanctorum. We have not been allowed to enter the Murugan sanctum sanctorum and perform rituals. Nobody has ever raised any complaints or pointed out any shortcomings in our adherence to the mantras and rituals. But the Sivachariyars do not treat us in the same way. They do not allow us entry into the main sanctum sanctorum. Excluding us based on caste is painful. Addressing the media, the counsel of Archagar Payirchipetra Manavargal Sangam, S Vanchinathan, said, The two priests have sent a communication to CM Stalin, HR&CE minister Sekar Babu and other authorities concerned seeking justice. Sekar Babu must respond to the issue, he said, adding that the CM should make sure the two priests take part in the consecration ceremony. Meanwhile, a peace talk was held at the Srirangam taluk office on this issue wherein the officials of HR&CE were informed that the two priests must be involved in all rituals as per the government order. (With inputs from Vignesh V in Madurai)

State to construct service lanes on city-stretch of Tiruchi-Thanjavur NH

Madurai Bench of Madras High Court asks government to report progress every six weeks

Non-completion of MGNREGS work by pvt firm: Madras HC seeks reply from officials, Pudukkottai collector

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday sought a response from the Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and the Pudukkottai collector on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking an investigation into the non-completion of works undertaken by a private company under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Avudaiyarkovil taluk of Pudukkottai. The litigant K Subramanian, former councillor of Thiyathur village panchayat, stated in his petition that the said company received work order to renovate a watershed in Nattani Purasakudi village, construct sluices and retaining walls for irrigation tanks in three villages Puthambur, Thiyathur and Senganam in 2018. The company also received an advance Rs 7.22 lakh for the aforesaid works, he added. However, when he inquired through an RTI in September 2024, he came to know that the company had not commenced the work yet. Regarding the action taken by the authorities against the company, the RTI report revealed that so far, eight warning notices have been issued to the company to complete the works, the litigant added. Criticising the authorities for failing to cancel the contract even after a lapse of six years, Subramanian said the authorities' inaction in ensuring proper utilisation of public funds amounts to a violation of public trust. He requested the court to direct the authorities to probe the matter and conduct an audit of all payments made by the authorities in other similar projects. A bench of Justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy directed the government counsel to obtain details from the authorities concerned and adjourned the case for two weeks.

CM Stalin orders Rs 498 crore for Fengal-hit farmers

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday directed the immediate disbursal of financial relief to farmers whose crops were damaged by Cyclone Fengal. According to a press statement, a detailed survey was conducted to assess the crop damage. The government has sanctioned a total relief package of Rs 498.8 crore, benefiting 5,18,783 farmers across 18 districts, including Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Dharmapuri, Kancheepuram, Krishnagiri, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Namakkal and Ranipet. The compensation covers 3.23 lakh hectares of affected agricultural and horticultural crops. Based on the assessment of losses, compensation has been fixed at Rs 8,500 per hectare for rain-fed crops, Rs 17,000 per hectare for paddy and irrigated crops, and Rs 22,500 per hectare for long-term crops. Following the chief ministers directive, the government has issued an official order for the relief distribution. The compensation amount will be credited directly to the bank accounts of the eligible farmers within the next few days. Assistance distributed to Tamil Sangams Chennai: CM MK Stalin on Tuesday handed over financial assistance to support the activities of Tamil Sangams in Delhi and Chandigarh. Stalin presented a cheque for Rs 50 lakh to representatives of Delhi Tamil Sangam for renovation work at the Tiruvalluvar auditorium and to the Chandigarh Tamil Sangam for organising Tamil cultural training programmes. This follows an earlier announcement by Tamil Development Minister MP Saminathan in the Assembly. Stalin also gave away appointment orders to four physically challenged faculty members of government music colleges in Chennai and Madurai. Saminathan and senior officials were present.

CM Stalin lays foundation stone for Madurai, Tiruchy Tidel Parks

TIRUCHY/MADURAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin via videoconference on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for two Tidel Parks one each at Tiruchy and Madurai that will be set up at a combined cost of Rs 717 crore. On the Tidel Park in Tiruchy, Collector M Pradeep Kumar said the facility, with a built-up area of 5.58 lakh sq ft, will come up at Panjappur at a cost of Rs 403 crore. It is expected to be completed in about 18 months. Once completed, the seven-storey building can accommodate around 10,000 employees of leading IT and software companies, he added. The project is part of the efforts of the state government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin to attract higher investments and creation of more job opportunities, especially for the youth, he further said. Tiruchy Mayor Mu Anbalagan, Corporation Commissioner V Saravanan, and MLAs A Soundarapandian (Laldugi) and M Palaniyandi (Srirangam) were present alongside the collector during the foundation laying ceremony at the site. The Tidel park in Madurai will be set up near the Mattuthavani bus stand in the city at a cost of Rs 314 crore. The thirteen-storey facility spread over 5.34 lakh sq ft aims to attract IT, ITES and BPO firms besides startups. It will have a capacity to house around 12,000 employees. The park focuses on providing employment opportunities for local youth as well as improving the socio-economic status of the region, a release stated. Minister for IT PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan along with District Collector MS Sangeetha, Corporation Mayor Indirani Ponvasanth and Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan inspected the site after the foundation-laying event. The TIDEL park project is a joint venture between TIDCO and ELCOT, officials said.

Not allowed into sanctum sanctorum for two years, say two non-Brahmin priests in Tiruchy

TIRUCHY: Two non-Brahmin priests of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple of Kumara Vayalur here on Tuesday alleged that they have never been allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity since their appointment on August 14, 2021, and appealed to chief minister MK Stalin, HR&CE minister PK Sekar Babu and other authorities to take steps for their entry inside, including their participation in Kumbabhishekam (consecration ceremony) scheduled for Wednesday. The two priests, S Prabu (34) and S Jayapal (34), from Tiruchy alleged that they have been excluded from the rituals in Yaga Salai as well for the consecration. We should be allowed to participate in both the Kumbabhishekam and the Murugan sanctum sanctorum rituals and be treated equally, they said in their petition filed with the chief ministers special cell on Tuesday. The two were appointed by the government following training under a state scheme to appoint aspirants from all Hindu castes in state-run temples. They were appointed as priests at the Vayalur Murugan Temple in Tiruchy under the scheme (Anaivarum Archagar Aagalam). In the petition, they alleged, Since our appointment, we have only been allowed to serve in the Vinayagar and Navagraha sanctum sanctorum. We have not been allowed to enter the Murugan sanctum sanctorum and perform rituals. Nobody has ever raised any complaints or pointed out any shortcomings in our adherence to the mantras and rituals. But the Sivachariyars do not treat us in the same way. They do not allow us entry into the main sanctum sanctorum. Excluding us based on caste is painful. Addressing the media, the counsel of Archagar Payirchipetra Manavargal Sangam, S Vanchinathan, said, The two priests have sent a communication to CM Stalin, HR&CE minister Sekar Babu and other authorities concerned seeking justice. Sekar Babu must respond to the issue, he said, adding that the CM should make sure the two priests take part in the consecration ceremony. Meanwhile, a peace talk was held at the Srirangam taluk office on this issue wherein the officials of HR&CE were informed that the two priests must be involved in all rituals as per the government order. (With inputs from Vignesh V in Madurai)

Madurai garlic farmers in a soup as prices dip by 50 per cent

MADURAI: The price of malai poondu (hill garlic) has dropped drastically to Rs 150/kg over the past two days in Madurai and Dindigul districts, from Rs 350-400/kg last week. Traders have attributed this massive drop in price to high arrivals of garlic from Maharashtra and Ooty. Speaking to TNIE, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam Peravai (Madurai) secretary Mayil Moolaporul said, In most parts of Madurai city, we can find traders and street hawkers selling malai poondu for just Rs 150/kg. The price was hovering around Rs 420-450/kg earlier, but there were fears about the supply of Chinese garlic. The large-scale arrivals of garlic from Maharashtra and Ooty have turned the tide, leading to a crash in prices. The sudden arrival has led to discontent among Kodaikanal farmers, where garlic is planted on over 1,100 acres. MP Meenakshi Sundaram, a garlic farmer from Kodaikanal said, There have been huge arrivals from Ooty (Mettupalayam variety) for a week. This garlic variety is different, has a growth period of 90-100 days, is mostly used as seed for growth and has less taste and aroma. But since people cannot easily differentiate between the higher Kodaikanal variety, they buy it. Garlic from Kodaikanal has better taste and flavour, and a growth period of four months. I am helpless about the sudden price drop, as I sold 100 kg of garlic for Rs 38,000 last week. An official from the horticulture department (Kodaikanal) told TNIE, Since Kodaikanal offers the exact climate for garlic, it is grown in villages such as Poomparai, Manavanur, Kookkal, Kundupatti and Kavunji. The plants are grown in two seasons, and owing to the huge demand last year, prices shot to over Rs 500/kg in many places. A few days ago, large-scale arrivals from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Mettupalayam caused the prices to drop, and this volatility is set to continue for a few months. This is not a serious change, and the farmers and traders are used to it.

Four of inter-State gang cheating people of offering online jobs arrested by Madurai district police

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T.N. CM Stalin unveils foundation stone for TIDEL Parks in Tiruchi, Madurai

In another event, the CM handed over Living Craft Treasure awards to nine crafts persons and also handed over Poompuhar State Awards to nine artisans.

Whole of Thiruparankundram Hill, except 33 cents, belongs to Murugan, says Minister of State L Murugan

MADURAI: The entire Thiruparankundram Hill belongs to Lord Murugan and is a part of the Shaivite sect of Hinduism, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said after visiting the hill temple on Monday. Speaking to media persons, he said, Some unfortunate incidents have occurred at the hill, and the state government must take serious action against the perpetrators. A court order from 1933clearly states that the entire hill, barring 33 cents of land, belongs to Lord Murugan. However, the revenue records from 1983 wrongly mention it as Sikkandar Hill. As per a case in the high court in 1994, the final order stated that the Karthigai Deepam should be conducted on the hilltop. Ahead of Minister of State L Murugans visit to the temple atop the hill, Madurai city police requested him to not proceed to the temple. However, the minister said he would visit the temple as a devotee, and not as a politician, and proceeded to the temple with a few cadre.

Madras High Court orders LGBTQ+ speakers to be included in TN doc edu programmes

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Director of Medical Education to hold the continuing medical education (CME) programme in all government and private medical colleges in the state by including speakers from the LGBTQIA+ community in order to spread awareness among medical students on the issues faced by this marginalised community. Justice N Anand Venkatesh issued the direction while hearing the petitions relating to the LGBTQIA+ community persons on Monday. The judge emphasized that the order shall be followed in letter and spirit. The order has come in the wake of a professor of the Madurai Government Medical College creating disturbance at a CME event when a speaker belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community was addressing students. A petition was filed in the court seeking a direction to hold CME programmes by including LGBTQIA+ speakers in order to ensure inclusive medical care and dispel myths surrounding homosexuality and transgender identities. It also noted that these community members shall be involved in CME programmes as they have lived experiences besides being trained, as these issues are not adequately or accurately covered in the medical curriculum at present. In another order, the judge directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to bring in conversion therapy within the curriculum for medical education to inform students that such therapy is completely barred and practising it will have serious consequences. This will raise more awareness among the students, he said. The direction was issued after the counsel for NMC submitted that a notification to declare conversion therapy as professional misconduct was incorporated in the 2023 regulations, which is pending with the central government.

Reply sought on plea to lay new road to reach Tiruchendur temple

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday sought response from the state highways department on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking direction to repair the 40 km bitumen road between Thoothukudi and Tiruchendur, and also lay a new two-way bypass road for the stretch for the benefit of devotees visiting the Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy temple. In his petition, the litigant SMA Pon Gandhimathinathan of Thoothukudi stated that the aforesaid bitumen road is commonly used by people to reach the Tiruchendur temple and the Thoothukudi harbour. It also leads to Valli Cave in Kanniyakumari as well as Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. However, the said road is in a dilapidated condition for years now. Though patchworks are done every year during the Kanda Shasti festival season, they do not last long and the road once again gets damaged, making it an accident-prone area, he added. A bench comprising Justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy directed the government counsel to get reply from the authorities concerned and adjourned the case to next week.

Madras HC bins plea seeking proper disbursal of pension to victims of caste-based violence

MADURAI: Observing that pension is an individual's right and only the person aggrieved can seek relief, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition requesting a direction for timely disbursal of pensions to victims (and their dependents) of caste-based crimes. A bench comprising Justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy passed the order on a PIL filed by State Secretary of Dalit Liberation Movement C Karuppaiah. According to Karuppaiah, the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare department of Madurai district revealed in a letter that the government had been disbursing a monthly pension of Rs 13,200 to as many as 49 victims in 42 criminal cases of caste-based violence till February 1, 2024. However, it has now been reduced to Rs 7,500 per month, he added. Stating that nearly 506 persons are receiving the said pension across the state, Karuppaiah claimed that this sudden change has affected the livelihood of the victims and their families. Similarly, the government has failed to implement the hike made in dearness allowance payment to such victims since 2016, he further alleged. Claiming that his representation in this regard bore no fruit, he moved the court. However, the judges dismissed the petition but added that the aggrieved persons can make an application before the authorities concerned with further direction to the authorities to take a decision on it within two months.

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National highway in Tamil Nadu turns toll road with minor tweak; users pay Rs 36 crore

CHENNAI: By adding just 1.5 metres of road on either side, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has converted the 110km two-lane Vellore-Tiruvannamalai-Villupuram National Highway (NH) into a tolled road. The three toll plazas Vallam, Enamkariyanandal, and Thennamadevi located on the road have collected about Rs 36 crore in 20 months from April 2023 to November 2024 while the total fund spent on the project by the union government was only Rs 273 crore, revealed data sourced through RTI by TNIE . Unlike other road projects executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Vellore-Villupuram NH-234 was upgraded using funds exclusively allocated by MoRTH, with no bank loans involved. This means motorists are essentially paying vehicle user fee at tolls for travelling on a highway that was upgraded using their own contributions through fees, cess, and other taxes. As per RTI data, the average monthly collection in the three tolls stands at Rs 1.82 crore. MoRTHs primary revenue sources include the cess levied on petrol and diesel under the Central Road Fund and fee from driving licences and vehicle registrations. Road poorly designed, no facility at toll plazas The two-lane road was marginally widened from 5 metres to 8.5 metres during the expansion work carried out by the NH wing of the state highways between 2018 and 2023. Toll collection began in January 2023. Officials from the NH wing (state highways) said NH Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules 2008 permit the establishment of toll plazas on highways widened using government funds. The conversion of a road into a tolled one does not require any consent or approval from the state government after it was handed over to MoRTH, said an official. When TNIE travelled through the 110-kilometer stretch, it was evident NH section has been plagued with plenty of issues including poor visibility caused by frequent curves, encroachments on both sides of the road from Vellore Bus Stand to Adukkumparai, lack of signage boards, absence of road overbridges at railway level crossings, and no flyovers at major junctions. These problems are exacerbated during Pournami Girivalam days when the highway sees heavy traffic towards Tiruvannamalai from both Vellore and Villupuram, significantly increasing the risk for motorists. The NH witnessed huge congestion at Kannamangalam and Kaniyambadi junctions during peak hours. A large number of motorists from Chittoor, Pakala, and other parts of Andhra Pradesh, who regularly visit the Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple use the Vellore-Tiruvannamalai NH. They allege that the road was poorly designed and there was no facility at toll plazas. The RTI data further disclosed that from May 2023 to November 2024, a total of 244 accidents were recorded on the stretch in which 18 people lost their lives, 54 were grievously injured, and 116 were left with minor injuries. Interestingly, the average monthly toll collection stands at Rs 85 lakh for Vallam, Rs 69 lakh for Enamkariyanandal, and Rs 28 lakh for Thennamadevi. In contrast, state highways, funded through road taxes and state allocations, develop four-lane and six-lane roads and build bridges with project costs ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 crore that are still toll-free. The state highway has spent an average of Rs 100 to Rs 110 crore for construction per km for flyovers/bridges in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchy in recent years. Around 335 government buses registered in Vellore, Villupuram, and Tiruvannamalai districts cross the toll plazas monthly at subsidised rates, while other buses purchase monthly passes allowing 50 trips. S Ram Charan, a resident of Chittoor, said, I have been visiting the Tiruvannamalai temple for 15 years. The road has seen no significant improvements since 2017, but was converted into a tolled road. Poor visibility at curves and medians in the middle of the road often lead to dangerous overtaking attempts by buses, putting commuters at risk.

Madras High Court directs authorities to reconsider 82-year-old life convict's plea for premature release

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has reaffirmed that the power to grant premature release lies at the discretion of the government, the Governor, and the President under Section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and Articles 161 and 72 of the Constitution, and directed authorities to reconsider a fresh representation from a life convict seeking early release. The 82-year-old petitioner, Paul, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1994 in a murder case. While out on bail, he committed a second murder and was awarded another life sentence in 2005. His appeals against both convictions were dismissed by the Madras High Court. His son had earlier petitioned for premature release, following which the high court directed authorities to consider the plea. However, prison officials rejected the request. Challenging this decision, Paul filed a fresh petition seeking premature release. The petitioners counsel argued that the life convict completed 20 years of imprisonment in both cases and sought reconsideration based on his age and the length of his sentence. When the petition came up for hearing, a Division Bench of Justices G Jayachandran and R Poornima noted that the advisory board had not recommended his release due to his second murder conviction. While a 2023 G.O disqualifies prisoners convicted of rape or multiple murders from premature release, the judges pointed out that Paul was not convicted in a rape case and had been convicted for two murders, not more than two. The court further observed that the same G.O allows life convicts aged 60 and above to be considered for premature release if they have served at least 20 years, irrespective of other eligibility conditions. The court then granted Paul the liberty to submit a fresh representation to prison authorities seeking premature release.

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Plea to ease time restrictions for entry of goods vehicles in Madurai

MADURAI: Stating that the timing restrictions on entry of light vehicles in Keela Masi Street and other areas has affected the loading and unloading of goods, and in turn, their businesses, traders from the city demanded the police department to relax the timings. S Veerakumar, district president of Madurai District Loadman, Van, Auto and Unorganised Workers Association said traders purchase goods from Keela Masi Street, Chitrakara Street, Vengalakadai Street, Amman Sannathi, Swami Sannathi, Elukadal Street and Keela Marrat Street, among others. While the city police initially imposed restrictions on the entry of heavy vehicles, they later extended the restrictions to light vehicles to load and unload goods between 12pm and 3.30pm every day. We cannot cover a longer distance with the restrictions, and a result, a second trip for loading and unloading becomes impossible. The police also impose fines ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 if the restrictions are not adhered to, he said. The associations secretary M S Murugan said even as they spend a lot on these trips paying for two loadmen, a driver and the fuel their profits are less. Due to the restrictions, business from neighboring districts has come down. We have demanded a second timing slot for the day, which may be after 8pm, but the police department is yet to take any fruitful action. Petitions seeking the same had been given to the police department and also to Chief Minister M K Stalin as around 150 families depend on this, Murugan said. Tamil Nadu Foodgrains Merchants Association president S V S S Velshankar said the city was the main supplier for more than 17 neighbouring districts, including districts in Kerala, before Covid-19 pandemic. However, back to back restrictions made the emergence of new wholesale suppliers in district levels, and brought down the demand for sellers in the city. Loading and unloading during night would not serve its purpose for light vehicles users as the buyer would not be available beyond a time. A police officer, who acknowledged the timing issue, said they were not following the time restrictions strictly for such traders. However, if the restrictions are not imposed, the traffic in the city would multiply. Considering these issues, we could extend the loading time with approval from senior authorities, but a second time slot is not possible, the officer stated.

17k metric tonnes of paddy procured so far in Madurai

MADURAI: With paddy procurement through Direct Purchase Centres (DPCs) being carried out in a phased manner in Madurai, a total of 17,000 metric tonnes of paddy has been procured in the district so far. Official sources said the total procurement during this Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) season is likely to cross last year's procurement statistics, and advised the farmers to sell their paddy at DPCs. According to sources, in spite of pest attacks and incidents of crop loss reported in a few areas, the timely rainfall coupled with Vaigai water aided the farmers to successfully complete the Samba paddy cultivation season in Madurai. It may be noted that over 40,000 hectares of land has been used for paddy cultivation in Madurai district. As the harvesting, which began in January, is picking up pace, DPCs across the district are receiving a decent amount of paddy this year, in comparison with the previous year. Speaking about procurement, a senior official from the civil supplies department in Madurai said, The district collector had issued an order for opening around 117 DPCs, and as many as 77 have been opened in Madurai so far. The remaining ones will be opened as the harvest season proceeds in the district. Among the 77 DPCs, about 72 are actively receiving paddy. As of now, about 17,960 metric tonnes of paddy has been procured during the Samba season here. Paddy procurement is likely to be conducted till April, as many farmers had begun cultivation works late this year. As there is a lack of workers for operating DPCs in the district, the department has deputed adequate workers from other regions to Madurai to carry out the procurement process, the official said. Official sources further said that during the previous KMS season (October-September), a total of 53,000 metric tonnes of paddy was procured in Madurai. However, during this KMS season (2024- 25), about 13,000 metric tonnes was procured during the first crop season and about 17,000 tonnes was procured during the Samba season. This year's KMS procurement is likely to cross last year's statistics as more farmers are showing interest towards selling paddy at DPCs, they added. Meanwhile, farmers requested the department to open additional DPCs, since farmers in several interior parts have to bear additional expenses for transporting the paddy to nearby villages for selling it at DPCs. Speaking to TNIE, M Ravi, a farmer from Madurai said the prices of varieties like RNR, Deluxe, and Ponni have notably reduced in the open market, affecting farmers this season.

Discriminatory wall will block access to our only pathway, say SC residents of Thindiyur

MADURAI: Around 20 Scheduled Caste families residing in Ward 1 of Thindiyur village objected to the construction of a discriminatory wall by a caste Hindu on encroached land near their houses, as it would affect access to the pathway. While they also staged a protest, the police denied their claims that the wall is discriminatory or is being built on encroached land. A Ramamoorthy (39), a SC resident from the locality said, two sides of the houses are surrounded by a steam of the Thathankulam kanmai, and to reach the road on the third side, they must cross the house of a caste Hindu. While the fourth side was the only access point, a caste Hindu attempted to build a wall, Ramamoorthy said, adding that it was being built on encroached land. If the wall is constructed, it would block access for the families as they already have a dispute with the families residing on the third side, he added. M Muthuselvam (45), another SC resident of Thathankulam, said a total 40 families, including caste Hindus, settled in the locality about twenty years ago and were issued pattas by the government in 2023-24. On the second side, the water level goes up and breaches into the homes during rains. We have been able to manage as the fourth side allows the water to escape, he said. U Vijay (28), a resident of Thindiyur flagged how the government issued land for people without providing a proper pathway. A top police official said the land was not encroached upon, but the caste Hindu attempted to build the wall on his unused land, used as a pathway by members of the SC community. As the people staged a protest, revenue officials will again measure the land in front of their houses, and an alternate path will be provided on the third side, he added. District Collector M S Sangeetha was not available for comments.

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Mata Amritanandamayi will be in Chennai on Feb 17, 18; spiritual & cultural events to mark Brahmasthanam festival

Mata Amritanandamayi will be in Chennai on February 17 and 18, 2025. During her Chennai visit she will participate in the two-day Brahmasthanam temple festival at Mata Amritanandamayi Math in Virugambakkam. The festival will be celebrated with a series of spiritual and cultural events. This year marks the 35th Anniversary of the Brahmasthanam Temple, consecrated by Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, in 1990. According to a statement issued by Mata Amritanandamayi Math, on February 17, Amma will arrive at a specially prepared venue at the Math around 11 am, where she will lead sessions of satsang (spiritual discourse), meditation and devotional singing (bhajans). Following these events, devotees will have the opportunity to receive darshan (personal blessing) from Amma. Throughout the two-day event, the Brahmasthanam Temple will host special poojas (rituals), including morning and evening ceremonies. Free food (annadanam) will be provided to all attendees. Brahmasthanam festival ends with message on humility, compassion Additionally, Amma will participate in a public event at the Amrita Vidyalayam Campus in Karur at 6 pm on February 20. The program will feature satsang, meditation, and bhajans, followed by darshan. The festival is open to all, inviting devoteesand spiritual seekers to immerse themelves in the divine atmosphere and experience Amma's compassionate presence, the statement said. Already, Brahmasthanam temple festival were held at Thiruvananthapuram on February 8 and 9, Nagercoil, February 11 and Madurai, February 13 and 14. After Chennai, the festival will be held at Karur on February 20 and Coimbatore on February 22 and 23.

Dont allow protests on Thiruparankundram issue: Madras High Court

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday directed the Tamil Nadu government not to permit any protest that would disrupt public peace and communal harmony. The court also wanted the state to take action to ease communal tension and restore peace in Thiruparan-kundram, which recently witnessed protests by Hindu religious organisations over the practice of animal sacrifice at the dargah in the hills. Stating that permitting such protests would lead to breach of peace, Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan dismissed a petition filed by S Yuvaraj of Bharat Hindu Munnani seeking permission to take out a procession by holding vel (spear) and chanting devotional songs in the commercial area from Ekambareswarar temple to Muthukumarasamy temple near Flower Bazaar. The judge said, The incident that happened in Thiruparankundram hill has already been sorted out among all the religions by passing a resolution (at a meeting chaired by) the Revenue Divisional Officer. The resolution was also endorsed by Madurai collector. Thus, there is no need to conduct any procession to condemn the incident. Further, he stated, It will once again provoke people from other religions and will breach peace. The respondents shall not permit any form of protest that disrupts public peace and harmony. They have to take necessary measures to ease religious tensions and restore order and harmony. Justice Ilanthiraiyan noted that so far, Hindus, Muslims and Jains have lived together in the hills peacefully. Unity in diversity is the strength of our nation and the government has to maintain harmony among all communities and religions, he said. The petitioner and other devotees, however, are always permitted to worship the deity at Sri Muthukumarasamy temple and no one can restrain them from doing so, he said. State Public Prosecutor Hasan Mohamed Jinnah, appearing for the police, had made a strong case to reject the plea citing the court orders settling the ownership issues over the hills and the endorsement made by the Privy Council of the Colonial rulers. He had also said that permitting such protests would affect public order in the states capital.

Master plan for Kovai, Madurai in March: CM M K Stalin

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday announced that the master plans for Coimbatore and Madurai will be unveiled next month. The government is also formulating 10 regional development plans to boost growth in both urban and rural areas across Tamil Nadu, the CM said. Speaking at the inauguration of the 17th edition of FAIRPRO 2025 at the Chennai Trade Centre, the CM said the upcoming master plan for Chennai will serve as a road map for the citys development over the next two decades. The plan aims to address key challenges, including infrastructure, housing, and environmental sustainability, to expedite urban expansion and improve the quality of life of the residents. The CM noted that 48% of the states population currently resides in urban areas, making TN one of the most urbanised states in India. Additionally, he revealed plans for the development of new townships in nine growth centres around Chennai, including Minjur, Tiruvallur, Thirumazhisai, Mamallapuram, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Maraimalai Nagar, Thiruperumbudur, and Parandur. These projects aim to decongest Chennai, establish new economic hubs, improve transportation connectivity, and ensure sustainable growth on citys periphery, he said. Stalin also announced that the Kuthambakkam bus terminus will soon become operational, providing better connectivity to the citys outskirts. Modern transport hubs in Chengalpattu and Mamallapuram will be opened next year to cater to the increasing commuter population. During the event, the CM unveiled Super Chennai, an initiative by CREDAI Chennai aimed at repositioning Chennai as a future-ready global city and reinforcing its status as Indias most vibrant investment destination. Acknowledging the contributions of CREDAI, Stalin said, Buildings are the first visible markers of a states progress. I see your organisation and this exhibition as symbols of Tamil Nadus growth. Food, clothing, and shelter are fundamental human needs, and your role in fulfilling one of these essentials is crucial not just for the people but also for the government.

Vending panel row, fund crunch hit Tiruchy corporation's food street project

TIRUCHY: The space beside the Anna Nagar Uzhavar Sandhai road was in the spotlight for a long time as the corporation last year announced its plan to set up the citys first food street there. The project along the lines of the one by Karnatakas Belagavi corporation envisaged a dedicated street offering to the public an array of cuisines at an affordable rate and in a hygienic manner. It was initially discussed during the January 2024 session of the Tiruchy corporation council and later presented in the 2024-25 civic bodys budget. With an outlay of Rs 2.2 crore, it was meant to be completed before the end of the current financial year. However, even after almost a year, the authorities are yet to take any visible steps to implement the project, complain residents. Now the space allotted for the project is used for dumping the earth removed during road laying works and for stocking up on construction material for underground drainage work. It was an iconic project and would have turned the area into a major tourist spot. Many people would also come with families to spend their time there. The corporation should clarify whether it has dropped the plan, said P Kumaraswamy, an elderly resident of Puthur. Meanwhile, corporation sources said the delay in setting up the town vending committee (TVC) and financial constraints put the project on the back burner. We are yet to get the verdict from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on conducting the TVC election. The TVC is also crucial for the project as we have to set some regulations on setting stalls at the food street by unauthorised vendors. Currently, there are also financial constraints for allocating funds for such a project as the corporation is presently giving priority to road blacktopping and other essential works, a highly placed source said. Efforts will be taken to implement the project this year itself, the source added. Meanwhile, R Manickam of Cantonment said, The corporation can either consider approaching the state or Union governments for getting the funds or set it up via public-private partnership mode. It may also approach restaurant owners and hoteliers in the city.

Pamban new railway bridge likely to be opened within a month, says Southern Railways GM

RAMANATHAPURAM/MADURAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to arrive for the inauguration of the new Pamban railway bridge, which is expected to resume operations in a month, said General Manager Southern Railway RN Singh after inspecting the Pamban bridge and Rameswaram railway station on Friday. Later in the evening, he inspected the station redevelopment works at the Madurai Junction Railway Station. The GM said, The PM is likely to visit Rameswaram for opening the new bridge. However, we have not got official confirmation about the date of the opening, but we will be opening it within a month. He further added that the flag-off will be conducted at the Pamban bridge and a public meeting is likely to be held in Rameswaram during the inaugural function. While addressing the media, after inspections, the GM said, Operations in the old bridge was stopped two years back due to its condition. The new railway sea bridge is likely to be opened by February last week or March first week. The bridge has bigger clearance in the centre than the old one, hence bigger boats can pass under the bridge without opening the lift span. Once the operations across the new bridge is inaugurated, all train services to Rameswaram will be resumed fully. Speaking about the ongoing revamping works at Rameswaram railway station, the GM added that considering the increasing traffic to Rameswaram, the revamping of the station is underway. The works are likely to be completed within 6-7 months. Following the opening of the new Pamban bridge, new services from Rameswaram are likely to be announced. Later in the day, the GM along with Madurai division DRM inspected the ongoing works at Madurai railway junction. He said the works are being conducted in a paced manner and it will be completed soon. It is to be recalled that considering the condition of the century-old Pamban railway sea bridge, the railways department started construction of the new railway sea bridge in Pamban at the cost of Rs 535 crore in 2019. Earlier in 2024, the Commissioner of Railway safety inspected the bridge and authorised operation of services in the bridge by November, 2024. A series of trial runs are being done at the bridge by the railways department.

Madras High Court calls for effective strategy to handle stray dog menace

MADURAI: Advising the state to give serious attention to the problem of stray dog menace, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday told some advocates to come up with a strategy to tackle the issue in an effective way. The court also suggested engaging volunteers from resident welfare associations and bar associations to meet the manpower demand. It further instructed the government counsel to take the matter to the notice of the chief secretary for taking further decisions. Noting that the director of animal husbandry and secretary of Animal Welfare Board are yet to file a counter affidavit despite being added to the case months ago, the court directed them to file the same before the next hearing. The observations were made by a bench comprising Chief Justice KR Shriram and Justice V Lakshminarayanan while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an advocate R Balaji seeking direction to eradicate stray dog menace in Madurai city. During the hearing, the Madurai corporation informed the court that it is planning to conduct a stray dog census from March 2025 and that the same would be completed in five months. The corporation, along with an NGO named Worldwide Veterinary Service, also organised periodical animal birth control surgery camps for community feeder dogs and pet dogs, and nearly 550 dogs have been sterilised so far, it added. To expedite the process, the government has to allot sufficient funds for conducting Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Programmes and increasing the number of ABC centres in the corporation limits, it further said. The case was adjourned to March 7.

Madras High Court bins petitions filed against building Karur New Bus stand at Thirumanilayur

MADURAI: After a long legal battle, the dispute over choosing a location for the establishment of Karur New Bus stand, which began as early as in 2006, finally came to an end on Friday with the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court giving a go-ahead to the state government to continue the construction works that were already commenced for the bus stand at Thirumanilayur village in Karur. Nearly 31% of the construction works had been completed before the court had passed interim orders stopping the project following various litigations claiming that the said land is an agricultural land and altering field bothies would affect agriculturists. The litigants also questioned the government's power to convert the agricultural lands for commercial purposes. But a bench comprising Justices R Suresh Kumar and G Arul Murugan dismissed the petitions by holding that all the legal requirements have been fully complied with by the stakeholders, namely the state government, district administration, water resources department as well as the Karur municipality, under various provisions of law in order to establish an integrated central bus stand at Thirumanilaiyur village. Commenting that some of the litigants had challenged the project for personal reasons and not for public good, the judges said, Judicial pendulum naturally would take a side of public good and not in favour of individuals or group of individuals to sustain and fulfil their desire either to progress themselves or to act as carriers of such kind of litigations of those individuals or group of individuals who are sitting behind and drive these people to come to this Court. The construction of the bus stand is a dire need for the people and such a public project cannot be unnecessarily halted without any plausible reason, the bench added, and disposed of the petitions. The Karur district administration, in 2006, had chosen a land in Thoranakkalpatti village in Karur for the new bus stand. Since it was rejected, the authorities started looking for an alternative place and the 12-acre land in Thirumanilayur village, donated by two individuals, was finalised in 2013. The petitions challenging the decision were dismissed by the high court through a detailed order in 2014. However, several petitions were filed reagitating the issue by citing the presence of field bothies and the conversion of the lands into commercial zones, among others. The said petitions were disposed of by the above order.

Madurai Corporation plans to conduct stray dog census from March

Dalit students hands hacked for riding bullet bike in Tamil Nadu

The 21-year-old Dalit student named R Iyyasamy from Tamil Nadus Melapidavur village was brutally attacked by a group of upper caste Hindus allegedly for riding a Bullet motorcycle on February 12. The assailant brutally attacked Iyyasamy causing severe injuries to his hands. He was rushed to Government Rajaji Hospital Madurai for emergency medical treatment. According 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 .

Poonamallee to Porur metro stretch to be inaugurated by December, says CM Stalin

CHENNAI: The nine-kilometre metro rail stretch under the second phase from Poonamallee to Porur, with 10 stations, will be inaugurated by December this year, Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Thursday. The stretch is part of 26.1km corridor-4 from Lighthouse to Poonamallee bypass. The chief minister, who inspected the work of the tunnel boring machine emerging near the Adyar Junction Metro Station, covering a total distance of 1.218 km on Thursday, posted in X platform that he has instructed Chennai Metro officials to complete the remaining works within a stipulated time. The stretch between Greenways road Metro Station and Adyar Metro Station on the Kellys-Taramani corridor includes a challenging section of the route that goes under the Adyar river for 300 metres, which is a rocky terrain. The tunnels being built at a depth of 15 metres to 22 metres under the Adyar river are crucial as this will connect north-eastern suburbs and core city areas with IT corridor on Old Mahabalipuram Road, linking Perambur, Chetpet, Nungambakkam, Thousand Lights, Royapettah, Mandaveli and Madhavaram with the IT corridor. The first of the twin tunnel from Greenways station to Adyar junction, covering 1,228 metres, was completed after a gruelling 178 days. The work on the stretch commenced in February 2023. When these works are fully completed, Chennai will set new benchmark in urban public transport connectivity in India!, Stalin said. Urging the Union government to approve the metro rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai, Stalin said, After the delays of the previous regime, we continued the second phase of the works, primarily with the funds of the state government. Recently, with the participation of the Union government, which accepted our request and approved it, we are implementing it even faster. A Chennai Metro Rail official told TNIE that after the launch of Poonamallee to Porur stretch, the next stretch to be opened will be the 8-km one from Porur to Kodambakkam Power House. This is likely to be opened by June 2026. The official said the work on the entire second phase was scheduled to be completed by December 2027. However, it was delayed by a year due to the late awarding of six tenders for the underground stretch, particularly the one from Nathamuni to Kolathur. The work is set to begin this month. The stretch comes under the 47 km Corridor 5, which starts from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. The elevated stretch of entire second phase will be completed by December 2027.

Ilaiyaraaja appears before Madras HC in music rights case; says he is dedicated to music

CHENNAI: Music composer Ilaiyaraaja on Thursday said he did not concentrate on worldly things and has dedicated himself to music alone, while appearing before the master court on the Madras High Court premises in relation to an ongoing case regarding rights to the music he composed. The ace composer appeared before the master court to testify in a case filed by Music Masters Audio Video Private Limited over distribution of the music of 109 Tamil movies in digital platform, for which the company has claimed to have secured the rights. The companys case is that it entered into an agreement in 1997 for the rights to 109 movies including Thevar Magan, Gunaa and Pandian with a music label established in the name of Ilaiyaraajas wife. It approached the Madras High Court in 2010, suing the composer for allegedly violating the agreement with respect to distribution of the musical works of these movies on digital platforms including YouTube channels. It had contended that the agreement was signed when the digital platforms were not streaming soundtracks. Senior counsel Raman, representing Music Masters, cross examined Ilaiyaraaja by posing several questions, including questions regarding his earnings through composing music. To a question on how many bungalows he owned, Ilaiyaraaja said, I have no idea because I was not concentrating on worldly things, I dedicated myself to music. Referring to a question on his claim that agreements made with the company established in his wifes name would become invalid after her demise, Ilaiyaraaja said he had said so based on his experience from past litigations. Madras HC closes plea seeking FIR against H Raja The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday closed a petition filed by an advocate seeking action against BJP leader H Raja for his controversial speech on the Thiruparankundram issue, during a protest held at Palanganatham on February 4. The petitioner V Ramesh claimed that Rajas speech created religious disharmony and fear in the minds of the public. Though he gave a representation to police seeking the registration of an FIR against Raja, no action was taken, he added. When the case was heard by Justice P Dhanabal, the additional public prosecutor said an FIR has been registered against Raja. Recording this, the judge closed the petition. ENS

Sivakasi man, brother held for murdering wife; burning body in TN's Ilathur

TENKASI: A Sivakasi resident and his brother were arrested by the Ilathur police here on Thursday in connection with a case registered over the recovery of a partially burnt woman's body near Ilathur on Tuesday. The accused person was identified as John Gilbert, husband of deceased Kamali, who allegedly committed the murder over a family dispute. He allegedly burned the body with the help of Thanga Thirupathi, his brother. The incident came to light on Tuesday morning when locals found a partially burnt body near a pond, located about 500m from the Kollam-Madurai National Highway and alerted the police. Based on the information, Ilathur police and Superintendent of Police S Aravind reached the spot and launched an investigation. Three special teams were formed to trace the suspect. During the probe, police found a toe ring (metti) and the woman's unscathed left hand, which helped them zero in on the suspects, sources said. The breakthrough came when the CCTV footage from nearby locations showed a car moving suspiciously. The police traced the vehicle and questioned its owner, which led them to John Gilbert. Gilbert allegedly killed Kamali, a tailor, following a family dispute. He then kept her body in the trunk of his friend's car and roamed around various places, including Courtallam. Later, he took the body to the isolated pond near Ilathur and set it on fire, sources added. Gilbert's brother Thanga Thirupathi has also been nabbed for aiding the crime. According to sources, Gilbert, who works at a paint shop, married Kamali four years ago. The couple has a four-year-old daughter. Meanwhile, Kadayanallur police recovered a burnt body of a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee, secured his son in this connection and began an inquiry.

Madras HC issues directives to clear backlog of cheque bounce cases in lower courts

MADURAI: Expressing concern over the huge pendency of cheque bounce cases in lower courts across the state, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court issued a series of directions to remedy the situation. The court also directed all principal district judges in the state to transmit the directions to all judicial magistrates in their jurisdiction for strict compliance. Justice N Anand Venkatesh passed the order on a batch of petitions filed by some individuals seeking to quash criminal proceedings initiated against them for dishonour of cheques. Noting that the proceedings were pending before the magistrate for nearly three years, the judge observed that cases under Section 138 (dishonouring a cheque) of Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, are clogging the magistrate courts for years on account of several reasons. This would defeat the very purpose of the introduction of Chapter XVII of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, he added. The apex court has also pointed out that as on April 13, 2022, this pendency has gone up to 33.44 lakh, which is an increase of 7.37 lakh cases in just over five months. As per the data available on November 8, 2021, the NI Act cases contribute to 8.81% of the total criminal cases pending in the courts. Further, 11.82% of the total criminal cases that are stagnating are due to appearance or service-related issues in NI Act cases, the judge noted. Though the Supreme Court, from time to time, has issued several directions to address the problem, the said directions remained paper directives due to the lack of effective oversight mechanisms, Justice Venkatesh said. Moreover, though the top court had specifically told the high court to issue practice directions in the matter , no steps have been taken till now, he added and gave a series of directions for each stage of NI Act proceedings, such as entertaining complaints, issuance of process, summons, interim compensation, appearance of the accused, and finally the trial. The practice of receiving complaints and adjourning the same for long periods under the pretext of 'check and call' should be strictly avoided. For notice of appearance, a short date, no later than four weeks must be fixed, the judge added. On the administrative side, the high court may explore the possibility of extending the N-STEP facility for service of summons, which is currently used for civil cases to NI Act cases, he suggested.

Dalit student's hands hacked by caste Hindu men for riding a 'Bullet' in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga

SIVAGANGA: A 21-year-old Dalit student from Melapidavur village in Sivaganga district was attacked by caste Hindus for riding a 'Bullet' on Wednesday late evening. The Dalit youth R Iyyasamy suffered hack injuries on both his hands. He is presently undergoing treatment at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, about 45 kms away. According to police, late on Wednesday evening when Iyyasamy was returning home on his motorcycle, he was confronted by three caste Hindus namely, R Vinothkumar (21), A Atheeshwaran (22) and M Vallarasu (21) of the same village. Subsequently, they attacked him with sharp weapons. A relative of the injured college student, Muniyasami said that the caste Hindu men hacked Iyyasamy's hands saying, only higher community youths can drive high-end bikes, Dalits should not drive such bikes. They also abused him referring to his caste. The gang would have murdered him if Iyyasamy had not managed to flee the place and reach home, he added. After the family members took Iyyasamy to hospital, caste Hindus ransacked the Dalit family's house. Caste discrimination has been prevailing in the village for a long time now, Muniyasami noted, demanding police protection for the family. Iyyasamy's father, Boominathan said the caste Hindus were not happy with his driving of a 'Bullet' bike in the locality. Honour killing: Madras HC allows second autopsy of Dalit On a previous occasion, they damaged the bike. Police sources denied the 'Bullet' issue is the primary reason for the attack. They claimed that Iyyasamy had teased one of the suspects, Atheeshwararan. They already had a quarrel between them. However the investigation is still on, police added. SIPCOT police booked a case against Vinothkumar, Atheeshwaran and Vallarasu under 296 (1), 126 (2), 118 (1), 351 (3) of BNS and 3(1)(r)(s) of SC/ST Act. They were arrested and later remanded in a prison. Iyyasamy is a third year UG mathematics student at a college in Sivaganga.

Excavator operator dies, contractor injured as arch collapses during demolition in Madurai

MADURAI: An excavator operator died and another was injured during the demolition process of a decorative arch near the Mattuthavani MGR bus stand collapsed in the vehicle in the midnight hours. Police sources said the court had ordered the demolition due to the increasing traffic in the city. The Nakkeeran decorative arch in Mattuthavani was constructed back in 1981. As the road struggled to handle the current traffic, measures were taken to demolish the decorative arch on Wednesday late night hours. During the demolition, as the excavator operator began removing the arch from one side, the structure accidentally collapsed onto the excavator, crushing the vehicle. The excavator operator who was identified as Nagalingam (21) of Ulakkani village in Madurai got stuck under the debris. Nagalingam, who suffered serious injuries, died on the spot. After several hours of rescue efforts, the debris was cleared, and his body was recovered by the rescue team. In the incident, the contractor of the work Nallathambi of Sambakulam in Madurai who was standing near the excavator during the arch collapses suffered injuries. He was rushed to GRH for treatment. It is to be noted that as the traffic in the area was diverted no other injuries were reported in the incident. City corporation commissioner Chithra Vijayan inspected the incident venue. Cops have filed a case and further investigation is underway.

Thiruparankundram: TN govt opposes protest plan, says stirs will affect peace

CHENNAI: Alleging that miscreants are attempting to disrupt communal harmony and peace by raising unnecessary issues over the Kandhuri festival at the Dargah in Thiruparankundram hills, the Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday told the Madras High Court that it would not allow anyone to disrupt peace and will also ensure that religious sentiments and beliefs of none of the communities are harmed. The submission was made by State Public Prosecutor (SPP) Hasan Mohamed Jinnah before Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan when a petition filed by S Yuvaraj, vice-president of Bharat Hindu Munnani, North Chennai, seeking a direction to the police to grant permission to hold a procession with vel (spear) with chanting of bhakthi songs at Kanthakottam in Chennai on February 18 to show solidarity with the protesters in Madurai came up for hearing. The SPP said that granting permission for continuous protests on the issue will disrupt communal harmony. He said the state will not permit any such protests and it is taking all necessary measures to ease tension in Thiruparankundram and restore harmony. Jinnah told the court that the worship rights over the hills, which has now become a controversy, was settled even before Independence by the courts. He said the Madurai collector has sent a report to the government stating that the practice of animal sacrifice and consumption of meat as a form of worship exists as a tradition and is followed by the Muslim community. Moreover, he said animal sacrifice in worship is followed in Hindu temples like Alagar Kovil, Pathinettampadi Karuppasamy Thirukovil, Pandimuneeshwarar temple and the Malaiyandi Karupasamy temple in Madurai district. Saying that the route sought by the organisation in Chennai is a busy area with narrow streets abuzz with commercial activities and asserting that the procession would disturb communal harmony, the SPP urged the court to reject the plea. Asking the petitioner to suggest alternative route for the procession, the judge adjourned the matter to Friday.

College girl's death: Tamil Nadu Police rule out foul play, say reason for extreme step unclear

SIVAGANGA: After conducting a detailed inquiry into the death of a 21-year-old girl on the premises of a private college premises near Kallal in early January, a senior district police officer on Wednesday ruled out any foul play in the death and told TNIE the incident was purely a case of suicide. S Preethi Devi (21) of Veeramanickapuram in Tirunelveli, a third-year B.Sc Agriculture student of a private college, was found unconscious on the campus ground on January 7. She was initially rushed to a private hospital in Karaikudi and later shifted to a private hospital in Madurai. She succumbed to her injuries at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai on January 8. Following the incident, the Kallal police registered a case under Section 194 of BNSS (death) and launched an investigation. The girl's father P Selvakumar also lodged a petition with Tirunelveli district collector seeking a fair probe into her death and sought action against the college administration alleging that they were behind the death. In protest, the family members received her body only three days after the death, sources said. It may be noted that the incident garnered attention after CPM state secretary P Shanmugam issued a statement on January 16, demanding explanation as to how the girl gained access to the locked terrace of the campus building, and why the police termed it a suicide before concluding the investigation. Speaking to TNIE , a police officer said the inquiry was conducted in a scientific manner and the statements of the college administration, friends and family members were recorded. The CCTV footage of the college was also examined and by the end of the inquiry, the incident was found to be a case of suicide, and the reason is believed to be personal in nature, the officer added. The officer, however, ruled out any foul play in the case and said the police are yet to confirm the reason for the extreme step, but hinted it could be depression. If someone is found to have abetted the suicide, appropriate action will be taken against the person concerned, the officer added. (Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on the Tamil Nadu health department's helpline 104 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)

Storeyed tenements of TNUHDB at Rajakoor lacks basic facilities

MADURAI: Crumbling walls, overgrown bushes and stagnant water; elements that are characteristic not just to abandoned houses, but also to the multi-storeyed residential apartments constructed by the Tamil Nadu Urban Housing Development Board (TNUHDB) at Rajakoor near Madurai. With a lack of adequate facilities and poor infrastructure, there are few takers for these flats. In the first phase, 1,566 flats were built nearly a decade ago under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for Rs 47.75 crore. Located in Rajakoors Periyar Nagar, a good 18 km away from Madurai city limits, these tenements with over 2,000 flats built in three phases have little to offer for the residents - no access to transport, healthcare or education facilities. In 2017-18, 1,088 houses were constructed for Rs 89.75 crore in phase II, while 512 houses were constructed in phase III for Rs 50.18 crore in 2022-23. TNIE visited the tenements and spoke with the residents, mostly conservancy workers who depend on work in the city. Kalidas (36) told TNIE , While I am happy that I was allotted a house after paying just Rs 17,500, there are many practical difficulties staying here. I work at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai as a cleanliness worker, and a few of my colleagues were allotted houses here. However, due to a lack of facilities, many do not prefer to stay here. I had to get my house repaired when I moved in. The roof of the 16th block in the phase II tenement may collapse at any moment. We often see poisonous insects and snakes crossing the pathways in the evenings. T Banumathi, another resident said, I work as a conservatory worker at GRH. Just one bus is available at Rajakoor bus stand at 5.30 am to reach GRH. I must walk 2 km to reach the bus stand and catch the bus, spending an average of Rs 100 for transport. The government officials must visit, and if possible, stay here so they can understand the difficulties we face. In case of any medical emergency, we find it extremely difficult to avail transport. Speaking to TNIE , Vanessa Peter, founder, Information and Resource Centre for the Deprived Urban Communities (IRCDUC) said the Madurai district administration should immediately convene the District Habitat Committee, along with the TNUHDB and provide basic services at the resettlement site. Quarterly grievance redressal meetings should be conducted on-site to address the concerns of the resettled families. Social activist V Ramachandran told TNIE , Easy access must be given to women and children. Have the quality audit agencies been appointed properly? While resident welfare associations (RWAs) were created to maintain the tenements, they are non-functional. TNUHDB is taking three years to allot the houses; it must be reduced to three months. A TNUHDB official, on the condition of anonymity, said, Tenders have been floated to lay road, and road facilities will be made available within four months. We will visit the tenements and carry out all essential work. As per norms, the beneficiaries must pay Rs 270 as maintenance fee to the RWA, and the same amount will be released by us for maintenance. As most beneficiaries do not reside here, they do not pay.

AIIMS Madurai Senior Resident Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Madurai (AIIMS Madurai) has recruits 08 Senior Resident Posts. Candidates With Any Post Graduate Can Apply Online from 12-02-2025 to 28-02-2025.

Madurai Paiyanum Chennai Ponnum OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it Online?

Madurai Paiyanum Chennai Ponnum, a Tamil rom-com starring Kanna Ravi and VJ Angelin, is set to release on Aha Tamil on February 14. Directed by Vignesh Pazhanivel, the series explores the cultural differences between a Madurai boy and a Chennai girl. With 25 episodes, three will be released each weekend. The series blends comedy, romance, and emotions, offering an engaging story.

Grand Thai Poosam festivities in Madurai

MADURAI: Devotees thronged two of the six abodes of Lord Murugan the Pazhamudhircholai and Thiruparankundram temples in Madurai in view of the Thai Poosam festival on Tuesday. Moreover, the float festival of Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple was also conducted in Madurai on Tuesday, with a sea of people gathering around the Vandiyur Teppakulam to spectate the event. The first full moon of the Thai month is celebrated as Thai Poosam, one of the major festivals associated with Lord Murugan. Special poojas and rituals were conducted at the Pazhamudhircholai and Thiruparankundram temples and arrangements were made to accommodate the increased inflow of devotees. Despite the prevailing tension in Thiruparankundram, the annual Thai Poosam fete was conducted in a grand manner as usual, said G Balamurugan, a devotee from Madurai. Meanwhile, devotees began congregating at the Vandiyur Teppakulam starting Monday night to witness and take part in the annual float festival of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. During the procession on Tuesday, goddess Meenakshi was adorned in traditional attire and jewellery, and placed on the float at the Teppakulam. Marking the Thai Poosam festivities, Bharathidasan, an environmentalist, planted Kadamba tree saplings at the Balamurugan temple in Pudhuthamarai Patti. Speaking to TNIE, he said, Madurai is referred to as Kadamavanam in ancient literature. At present, however, the number of Kadamba trees in the region has reduced greatly. One of the surviving Neer Kadamba trees is situated at the Balamurugan temple. Hence, in view of Thai Poosam, we have planted three saplings of the tree at the temple. A grand affair in Palani Thai Poosam festivities kicked off in a grand fashion at the Dhandayudhapani temple in Palani, Dindigul district. HR&CE department started the distribution of free food for 20,000 devotees every day. Earlier, the holy flag at the Periyanayaki Amman temple was hoisted by the temple priest on February 5, making the beginning of the festival. Following the completion of the celestial wedding ceremony on February 10, a large number of devotees, including those on Padayatra, entered the Palani temple on Tuesday morning. The temple car festival was conducted the same evening. The festival is set to conclude on February 14.

Madras HC orders CB-CID probe into alleged police brutality in Thoothukudi murder case

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently ordered a CB-CID probe into a complaint by a woman alleging that the Thoothukudi police brutally assaulted her husband and brother-in-law during inquiry in a murder case in August 2023. Justice N Anand Venkatesh passed the order on a petition filed by A Sudalai Vadivoo, seeking the above relief. According to the order, Vadivoos husband Arjunan and his brother Arumugam were booked by Seithanganallur police in Thoothukudi for the murder of one Mayandi on August 3, 2023. They were taken to the police station the same day and were allegedly brutally beaten up by the police before being remanded to judicial custody on August 5, 2023. Though they sustained grievous injuries, neither of them informed the magistrate about the alleged torture at the time of remand. However, they raised a complaint after being lodged in prison. Claiming there was no action, Vadivoo moved the court. Justice Venkatesh noted that Arjunans injuries were severe enough for him to undergo inpatient treatment for over five days. Perusing the treatment records and other documents submitted by Vadivoo in support of her allegations, the judge opined that the said documents cannot be disregarded since custodial violation amounts to violation of Article 21 of the Constitution and human rights. Just because the person is shown as an accused in a case, that does not mean that the concerned person can be subjected to police brutality, he further observed. Since there are two versions, the petitioners version and the police version, it would be appropriate if an inquiry is conducted by the CB-CID to find out the truth, the judge added, and directed the CB-CID to conduct an inquiry into Vadivoos complaint and file a report to the court in a month. However, he clarified that the said inquiry will not have any bearing on the ongoing trial proceedings in Mayandis murder case, in which Arjunan and Arumugam are arrayed as accused.

Thai poosam at Thiruparankundram peaceful

MADURAI: The Thai poosam festival in Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Thiruparankundram passed off peacefully on Tuesday with a sea of devotees thronging the hill shrine celebrating the occasion with religious fervour. The festival is marked by worship of Lord Murugan, the deity of war, victory, and wisdom. The festival was the first event at the shrine after the recent temple-dargah row. Police took no chances and made adequate bandobast to prevent any untoward incident. According to police sources, the bandobast was increased at the temple, Kasi Viswanathar temple, Sikkandar dargah, church and other important points in the area. Under the supervision of Police Commissioner J Loganathan, a total of 500 police personnel, including two deputy commissioners of police (one for traffic and another for law and order) and four assistant commissioners of police (one to monitor inside the temple, second to keep a watch on hilltop, third to keep a check on Girivalam routes and fourth for traffic), were deployed to keep untoward incidents at bay. The police bandobast was five times larger than the previous years. CCTV cameras were installed to monitor the crowd and other developments. In the wake of the recent tension at the Thiruparankundram hills, home to both dargah and temple, the police strength was increased for the festival this year which bore fruit, as the event went off peacefully plus it helped police manage the huge turnout at the temple, the source said. When asked about a message circulating on social media claiming people were invited for Kanduri feast at the dargah on February 18, the police source refuted it and said the city cyber crime police have launched an investigation to track down the person sharing such false messages and trying to create tension in the area again. Temple police station on cards In the wake of the recent temple-dargah issue, the police department is expediting the process of setting up a temple police station on the hills along the lines of Meenakshi Temple station for Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple. A gazette notification for establishing the station has already been published. The department has started the process to identify a place near the temple for the station, where one inspector, three sub inspectors, 50 police constables are likely to be posted. At present, the Thiruparankundram police stations cover the temple-related developments. Once the police station is set up, the temple, Kasi Viswanathar temple, Sikkandar dargah and Girivalam (religious practice of walking barefoot around the hill) path will come under its jurisdiction. Any law and order issue and crimes in this area will fall under the jurisdiction of the new police station, said a top police officer. Last year, Chief Minister MK Stalin had announced setting up of the temple police station. The Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Madurai is the first of the six most sacred temples of Lord Murugan in the state. The other five being -- Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalali, Tiruttani and Pazhamudircholai. The temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is on the hilltop, while Sikkandar Badusha Dargah is near the Kasi Viswanathar temple on the same hill.

Medical negligence death: Lower court in Kanniyakumari told to finish trial in six months

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed a trial court in Kanniyakumari to complete the trial in a case pertaining to the death of a woman due to medical negligence in 2012 within six months. The trial court was instructed to conduct the proceedings on a day-to-day basis, and to remand the accused if they try to delay the trial. Justice N Anand Venkatesh gave the directions while dismissing a batch of petitions filed by six accused in the case, seeking to quash the criminal proceedings pending against them. The facts of the case, as mentioned in the judgment, were that the deceased, G Rukmani, was admitted to the Nagercoil Government Medical College Hospital on March 18, 2011, for tubectomy. However, she was inadvertently administered nitrous oxide instead of oxygen, following which she slipped into a coma. Despite undergoing treatment in various hospitals, Rukmani died on May 4, 2012. Alleging medical negligence, Rukmanis husband Ganesan had moved a petition seeking compensation in 2013. Confirming the negligence and holding the state liable for it, the high court had allowed the petition in 2016 by directing the government to pay Rs 28.37 lakh. While the criminal case is pending for trial, six of the 12 accused including the gas suppliers and manufacturers who filled the wrong gas in the cylinder, and the anaesthetist who administered it moved the petition seeking to quash the case against them. Justice Venkatesh observed that there was gross negligence on the part of the hospital as well as the gas suppliers, but they were playing the blame game. The hospital was engaging the services of gas suppliers who did not have a valid licence, making them both liable. Pointing out that the deceased had suffered for nearly 411 days and her death had, no doubt, been caused due to gross negligence, the judge opined that only the trial court can ascertain on whose negligence the incident happened.

Farmers on a mission to promote a forgotten native rice variety in Madurai region

Research shows that Thillainayagam rice variety contains 7.15% protein and 78.25% carbohydrates, in addition to minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorous, manganese and copper

Honour killing: Madras HC allows second autopsy of Dalit

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday allowed re-postmortem of the body of a Dalit youth, who was found dead in a waterbody on January 15, after his parents filed a plea alleging that their son was a victim of honour killing. Noting that the body of L Kalaiyan, was already in a decomposed state when the first postmortem was conducted, Justice P Dhanabal directed the dean of Madurai Medical College to redo autopsy if the body is fit for it. Kalaiyans father P Lingasamy (petitioner) stated his son was in love with a caste Hindu girl from his village (Veppankulam) in Madurai. He (Kalaiyan) was threatened by her kin on at least two occasions last month before he went missing on January 13. A complaint was filed. But on January 15, his body (with external injuries) was found in the village tank, Lingasamy said. Autopsy report stated no external injuries were found. Challenging this, Lingasamy moved the High Court.

Mutt moves HC, demands Jain site status for Thiruparankundram hill

MADURAI: Swasthi Shri Laxmisena Bhattarak Bhattacharya Maha Swamigal of Sri Jina Kanchi Jain Mutt in Villupuram filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, seeking direction to declare the Thiruparankundram Hill in Madurai as Samanar Kundru and forbear any activity in the hill that are against Jain principles. According to the petitioner, the caves in the hill have several inscriptions and images indicating that the hill was used by Jain ascetics, before it was attributed to the Hindu shrine. This, along with some historical facts, proves the predominance of Jain community in the hill, he added. The recent attempts by two communal forces to acquire the hill desecrate the sacredness of the Jain structures in the hill and affect the sentiments of the people of the Jain community, he further said. Citing Section 3 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the petitioner said that the hill should be protected and maintained as an ancient monument of national importance. A bench of Justices J Nisha Banu and L Victoria Gowri adjourned the plea and other similar cases pending in connection with the issue for three weeks, for filing of counter affidavit by all stakeholders.

Bonanza for TN people residing in poramboke land, 86K to get pattas

CHENNAI: A total of 86,271 people residing in unobjectionable poramboke land in Chennai and surrounding districts, municipal corporations, municipalities and district headquarters across the state will be issued pattas, ensuring their ownership of the land, within six months, the Tamil Nadu government said on Monday. A decision to this effect was approved at the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday. The CM directed the officials to complete the work within six months. A state-level committee, headed by chief secretary, and multiple district-level committees will monitor the progress of the initiative. Stalin, in a post on X, said that by approving the issuance of pattas to around 86,000 poor and downtrodden people, the government has resolved a 63-year-old issue. After the DMK government assumed office, so far, 12.29 lakh pattas have been issued, he said. Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran told reporters at the secretariat, In Chennai alone, 29,187 people are residing in such places. Describing the area within a 32-kilometre radius around Chennai as belt area, the minister said legislation regarding encroachments in this area was enacted more than 60 years ago and until now no action was taken to redress the grievances of these people in getting pattas for the land they have been residing in. Ramachandran said the path-breaking decision would be a boon for the people of Chennai and its surrounding districts. Besides, the CM also ordered the issuance of pattas to 57,084 people who are living in unobjectionable poramboke land in municipal corporations like Madurai and Tirunelveli, municipalities, and district headquarters across the state. Revenue dept expediting steps to issue pattas for 6L people: Min The CM directed that apart from these 86,271 people, if there some more applicants for pattas, their petitions too should be considered. The minister also said his department is expediting steps to issue pattas to 6.29 lakh people in the next six months. When asked about unobjectionable poromboke lands, the minister said, Pattas can be issued to those living in Nansei, Punsei and Natham poromboke (revenue classifications) lands under the possession of the government. But patta cannot be issued to those living in water course poromboke, meikkaal (grazing) poromboke, mayanam (area marked for cremation), etc., since there is a stay on this by courts.

BJP alleges man faking as AIADMK member participated in peace meeting on Thiruparankundram row

MADURAI: A BJP advocate demanded the collector to take action against the person who identified himself as an AIADMK member and attended the peace meeting held on January 31 regarding the Thiruparankundram hill row. BJP advocate R Muthukumar in his petition stated that on January 27, all party members jointly petitioned Collector MS Sangeetha regarding the row. At that time a person introduced himself as poet P Mohandas and allegedly mentioned himself as Thiruparankundram AIADMK Deputy Secretary. He allegedly signed his name as Mohandas though his original name was Mohammed Iskan, he said. He further stated that the same person allegedly participated in the meeting on behalf of the AIADMK during the all party meeting held on January 31 led by the RDO. He accompanied AIADMK functionary Rajan Chellappa, and donated money to the dargah located on the Thiruparankundram hill, he said. He requested the collector to take action against the person. TNIE tried to contact Rajan Chellappa and former minister RB Udhaykumar to get an explanation for BJP's allegation. However, they were not available for comment. Meanwhile, Makkal Kalai Illakiya Kazhagam State coordinator P Ramalingam petitioned police commissioner on Monday, demanding the arrest of BJP leader H Raja under the National Security Act, who allegedly spoke against the religious harmony of the people in Thiruparankundram hill row. He also demanded the commissioner to make efforts to ban the Hindu Munnani for allegedly producing a song to ruin religious harmony. He also demanded the police commissioner to take action against the Thiruparankundram police station Inspector Madurai Veeran, RDO, and tahsildar, who allegedly raked up the issue. Responding to the petition, Collector Sangeetha told TNIE, this evening that the district administration would respond to them if AIADMK files a petition in court in this regard

Hindu outfit objects to HR&CE notice on devotees' offering

MADURAI: Hindu outfits objected to HR&CE department's (Madurai) notice that offerings made by devotees on the priest's plate should be collected and handed over to the department in Madurai. Sources said, the HR&CE department (Madurai division) issued a notice on February 7, 2025, to Lord Dhandayuthapani Temple in Nethaji Road in Madurai. It mentioned that priests should not collect offerings given in the plate by devotees in temple premises. Since, HR&CE pays them salary for their service to devotees, all offerings from devotees belong to the department and should be transferred to the 'hundi'. Speaking to TNIE, Hindu Tamilar Katchi president Rama Ravikumar said, This notice is highly absurd and condemnable. Hindu temple priests' plate typically contains coins of small denominations offered by devotees such as Rs 1 or Rs 5, depending on the region and local customs. Some people also offer larger denominations like Rs 10 or Rs 50 notes as well. The act of offering coins is considered a symbolic gesture of devotion and gratitude to the deity. However, even if such an offering is declared illegal, the HR&CE department seems to be harassing Hindu priests. We will take the issue to court, he added. Officials from HR&CE Department (Madurai) refused to comment on the issue, but the memo has been issued to the concerned executive officer without consulting higher authorities.

150 kg of ganja seized in Madurai city

Thaipoosam festival special trains to Palani from Madurai Junction on Feb 11th and 12th - Lotus Times

Thaipoosam festival special trains to Palani from Madurai Junction on Feb 11th and 12th Lotus Times

Madras High Court allows medical aspirant with 80 per cent disability to undergo assessment again

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently granted interim relief to a medical aspirant with 80% locomotor disability, who was declared ineligible to pursue a career as a doctor by a medical board by the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital citing National Medical Commission guidelines. Hearing a petition filed by the aspirant MK Nivetha in 2022, Justice V Lakshminarayanan observed that though the court is not qualified to sit on an appeal over a medical boards decision, it has the power to refer a candidates case to any other premier medical institute which has the facility for assessment. If the second medical boards report goes in favour of the person with disability (PwD), then the court can take a call as to which report must be accepted, he added. The judge directed the JIPMER director to constitute a disability assessment board in a month to record whether Nivethas disability will or will not come in the way of her pursuing the medical course. The board was also told to file a report to the court stating reasons for its decision. Nivetha stated in her petition that she had passed NEET in 2021 and had gone to RGGH, the only centre in the state, to obtain a disability certificate. She was subjected to several assessments, and the reports were positive. Despite this, she was declared ineligible on December 24, 2021 as she did not have the pointer and little finger in her right hand, affecting conducting of surgeries. However, she said that she is left-handed and can use the right hand despite the missing fingers, and sought the courts help.

Ex-servicemen quota: Madras High Court pulls up state govt, TNPSC

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court criticised the state government and Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) for its failure to amend legal provisions relating to eligibility of ex-servicemen to apply for multiple government vacancies and to accept a higher post after joining a lower one. A bench of Justices M S Ramesh and A D Maria Clete made the observations while dismissing a batch of appeals filed by TNPSC against a single judge order permitting such ex-servicemen Group IV employees, selected in Group II A examinations in 2022, to participate in the subsequent stages of the selection process. The judges observed that though the centre issued a memorandum clarifying its rules as early as 2014, TNPSC and the state have shown complete inertia in amending the provisions to align with its clarifications. Such administrative inaction, which imposes undue hardship on deserving individuals, is neither reasonable nor justifiable, they added. The judges also noted that the Group II A notification was issued earlier than Group IV, but the results of the former were released later than the latter, due to which the petitioners already took up Group IV jobs. The acceptance of a lower post by the petitioners was not a matter of choice but of necessity, given the earlier publication of Group IV results. Their subsequent selection for Group II A services represents an opportunity for upward mobility based on merit and reservation policies. This does not constitute double benefits but rather reflects a procedural and merit-based progression within the same framework of eligibility. Denying such a transition would be inequitable and inconsistent with the very purpose of reservation policies, the judges observed. They noted that as per Section 3 (j) of Tamil Nadu Government Servants (Conditions of Service) Act, 2016 ex-servicemen, who have already been recruited to any service, are barred from claiming the benefit of the concession for subsequent recruitments. But the petitioners were not in employment while claiming the concession (applying for Group II A posts), they pointed out. Since the proviso is ambiguous as to the critical date by which an ex-serviceman must not have been recruited to a post, the above interpretation would protect the spirit of the reservation and the rights of deserving candidates against procedural delays, the judges added.

Improper waste management, a major cause for pollution in Madurai

Delhi drub unity lesson for INDIA bloc: VCK

MADURAI: Terming the BJP win in Delhi Assembly election as shocking, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan requested the INDIA bloc leaders humbly to give up their ego and work for the nation. Speaking to newspersons at Madurai airport, Thirumavalavan raised doubt whether the election in the national capital was held in a transparent manner. Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) did not approach the polls with unity. INDIA bloc leaders should discuss the results. On the Thiruparankundram hill row, Thirumavalvan said BJP is taking advantage of every chance for political gain. It is dividing the people in the name of the religion. Most of the time, officers take decisions concerning law and order. Imposing Section 144 might be the reason for the Thiruparankundram issue becoming big, he said. When asked about the increasing number of sexual harassment incidents against women, the VCK chief said the state police have to to create a separate intelligent unit to prevent such crimes. Meanwhile, Virudhunagar MP B Manickam Tagore of Congress also said its the arrogance of AAP that led to its defeat in Delhi. At the same time, BJPs victory in Delhi is posing a danger to the people of Delhi, he said.

Clarify guidelines on arresting women after sunset: Madras High Court

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court held that Section 46(4) of the CrPC, which prohibits the arrest of women before sunrise and after sunset hours without prior permission from the judicial magistrate, is directory and not mandatory. The court also directed the police department to issue further guidelines clarifying what would constitute exceptional situations under the section. A division bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and M Jothiraman further said the state legislature also can consider bringing a local amendment to Section 43 of BNSS on the lines suggested by the Law Commission of India. It would not be in the interest of maintaining law and order if a police officer is expected to write to the judicial magistrate and effect arrest only after obtaining the prior permission. Such a stringent condition would disable police officers from effectively discharging their public duties, the court stated. While failure to adhere to the statutory requirement may not lead to the arrest being declared illegal, the officer concerned may have to offer an explanation for the inability to comply with the procedure. Even though Section 46(4) of CrPC is beneficial to ensure the safety of women, the court is unable to hold that it is mandatory. The Madras High Court, in an earlier case, had directed the authorities to frame appropriate guidelines in this regard and the Deputy General of Police had issued guidelines governing the arrest of women. However, the guidelines merely reiterate the statutory language and they do not appear to shed light on the problem that may be faced by the arresting officers tasked with discharging public duty. The court was issuing the direction while hearing a batch of three appeal petitions filed by a police inspector, a sub-inspector and a head constable seeking to quash the single judge order of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to initiate departmental action against the appellants to pay compensation for the breach of the mandate as per Section 46(4) while arresting the de facto petitioner Vijayalakshmi. Vijayalakshmi was arrested around 8 pm on January 14, 2019, in a case by Thilagar Thidal police of Madurai city and there was no prior permission from the judicial magistrate before effecting the arrest. After hearing the arguments of both sides, the court dismissed the appeal petition of Sub-Inspector Deepa, but allowed the appeals of Inspector Anitha and Head Constable Krishnaveni and set aside the punishment passed by the single judge.

39K vacancies for field staff in Tangedco across Tamil Nadu

MADURAI: The positions for over 25,551 field assistants, 13,216 wiremen and 626 gangmen in Tangedco have been vacant for the past two years, an RTI reply has revealed. These field-level staff vacancies have irked other Tangedco workers. These vacancies are across 12 distribution circles in Tamil Nadu, according to the RTI reply received on February 6. Speaking to TNIE, Social Activist N G Mohan said, Even as the number of transformers and electric poles is increasing rapidly, there is a shortage of skilled ground staff. Despite the nature of this job, the top officials are not serious and are only worried about the losses. The officials are not actively taking measures to ensure that all vacancies are filled. As a result, the assistant engineers and local officials in each zone and distribution circles are using the services of villagers to carry out repair works, which is illegal. These electricians demand Rs 100-Rs 150 from customers. An office bearer from CITU-Tangedco Employees Union (Madurai) told TNIE, We are frustrated by the delay in appointment of ground-level staff for more than two years. The existing workers are overloaded by the lack of wiremen in many divisions. They are responsible for enabling new power connections, installation of power meters and other electrical fittings, and ensuring smooth flow of power. As wiremen as lacking in numbers, these works are carried out by the gangmen, which causes issues and leaves them overburdened. A top official from Tangedco (Madurai) said, Since these vacancies are across the state, we have made several representations on this issue. We have conveyed our problems to the higher officials in Chennai. We hope the issue is resolved within six months.

A lifeline that goes beyond mothers elixir

MADURAI: Nearly 5 million kids died before their fifth birthday in 2021. India accounted for 14% of the global burden of under-5 mortality, as per analysis of National Family Health Survey reports. Quite alarming! Vichitra Senthil Kumar, a mother of two from Tiruppur, is determined that no more breaths should be stolen so soon. The 41-year-old has resiliently built a movement that saves lives and empowers mothers. Over the past four years, Vichitra has collected more than 4,000 litres of breast milk, providing a lifeline for premature babies, abandoned newborns, and infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed due to illness. It all began in 2021 when a friend asked Vichitra to deliver donated breast milk to a baby in Erode. The experience left her profoundly moved. She soon realised the milk was not just sustenanceit was survival. With that realisation, she committed herself to building a network of lactating mothers willing to donate their unused milk to the Breast Milk Bank at Tiruppur Medical College Hospital. Vichitra approaches this mission with remarkable empathy. She counsels mothers personally, visiting them at home to create an environment of trust. She plays with their children, shares meals with their families, and reassures them about the life-saving impact of their donations. One anonymous donor from Tiruppur contributed 117 litres of milk in just nine monthsa testament to the trust Vichitra has built. Despite her efforts, social stigma remains a challenge. Vichitra recalls one instance when a young woman handed over breast milk at her gate, too afraid of her in-laws judgement to invite Vichitra inside. It was a reminder of how deeply women are constrained by societal expectations, even when they want to do good, she says. Vichitra Senthil Kumar at the Government Hospital in Tiruppur as a part of her social service | S Senbagapandiyan Breast milk collection is just one part of Vichitras wide-ranging social service. She has organised over 1,000 cataract surgeries for elderly individuals in rural areas, giving them the gift of sight. Born and brought in Chinnakalipalayam near Peelamedu in Coimbatore, Vichitra was inspired by her father, Maruthachalam, who believed in supporting education for the underprivileged, she also funds tuition fees for children from economically weaker backgrounds. During her college days in Coimbatore, she frequently helped poor students in government schools. Those early acts of kindness shaped her philosophy that small efforts can make a big difference. Before dedicating herself to social service, Vichitra was a sportswoman. A talented football player, she captained her college and university teams and represented the Coimbatore District Female Football Team from 1999 to 2002. Though she cherishes her achievements in sports, she finds her current work far more fulfilling. Sports taught me resilience, but this work has given me a deeper sense of purpose, she says. Her husband, Senthil Kumar, was initially surprised to learn about her football career and is now one of her strongest supporters. Together, they manage their household while balancing her growing commitment to helping others. Community leaders in Tiruppur have praised her work, with Red Cross Society Coordinator Damodharan noting, Vichitras ability to connect with people and earn their trust has been instrumental in making life-saving services accessible. Her contributions are truly transformative. For Vichitra, the goal is not just to provide aid but to inspire others to step forward. When women come together, they can change the world, she says. Through her work, she is proving that acts of kindnessno matter how smallcan create ripples of change. (Edited by Mary Catherene)

Madurai DRM inspects lifting centre spans of old, new Pamban rail bridges

Drinking water supply to be suspended for two days in north Madurai

Madurai Bun Butter Toast Recipe: A Sweet, Buttery Snack That Will Melt In Your Mouth

Made with buns smeared in butter and sugar, it's a snack that offers an interesting blend of sweet and salty flavours.

Petition to crack down on heavy vehicle movement on Katchaikatti

MADURAI: Social activist and a resident of Katchaikatti petitioned Collector MS Sangeetha on Friday, demanding a crackdown on the movement of heavy vehicles, which has caused damage to the newly laid state highways road between Katchaikatti and Andipatti Bungalow. In the petition, activist Gnanasekar stated that following his petition to Chief Minister MK Stalin's cell six months ago, the state highways department laid a 4 km road between Katchaikatti village, Katchaikatti main road, and Andipatti Bungalow at a cost of around Rs 2 crore. Gnanasekar further said that there are proposals for additional crushers and stone quarries in Katchaikatti village. However, the movement of heavy vehicles, such as hydraulic excavators, has damaged the portion of the road in front of Katchaikatti. The activist added that due to the movement of heavy vehicles, villagers are facing psychological and physical issues. Hence, the collector was requested to take efforts to crack down on vehicle movements and ensure that officials conduct patchwork repairs.

Back to Heyday

BENGALURU: The golden age of South Indian cinema saw the rise of icons like Dr Rajkumar, MG Ramachandran (MGR), Shivaji Ganesan and NT Rama Rao, who grew to almost god-like statures and gained similar, lasting adoration from the public. Whether you grew up watching iconic Kannada films of the 60s and 70s, listening to snatches of a stray tune, catching glimpses of posters in the city and images on autos the impact these stars had on peoples lives can still be felt. Clare Arnis ongoing exhibition Southern Stars, is a tribute to these cinematic figures and those who love them still. I grew up in Madurai in the 1970s and there was no television yet. So, the imagery that surrounded me was that of MGR, Shivaji Ganesan and film stars like that. Its been a sort of lifelong fascination, she says. The collection on display, 20 years in the making and gathered from old frame shops in Madurai, Sunday markets, and Bengaluru antique shops, consists of everything from antique posters, original photographs taken on film sets, figurines and models, as well as contemporary photographs of old studios by Arni. At its heart is a setup of a living room two chairs, a typewriter, a coffee table, and a record player with a stack of vinyl records beside it. According to Arni, the intention was to make the exhibit approachable and a true reflection of her collection at home. One can do lots of different things with a collection like this. But rather than something thats an informative and academic look at South Indian cinema, we wanted it to be a reflection of my collection. So thats why the gallery has a recreation of my living room with a feeling of informality at the heart of it. It also reflects the fact that my collection is very much a part of my everyday life and this imagery surrounds me on an everyday basis, she explains. One particularly unique feature of the exhibit is a whimsical robotic model of Dr Rajkumar. Dressed in a distinctive white ensemble with a red vest, it (literally) shakes a leg to his iconic dance number If You Come Today from the 1978 film Operation Diamond Racket. Him, along with the other sculptures of Rajkumar, were all commissioned by me and made by different young artists. That one was made by my nephew, Varun Arni, who works with robotics and is a brilliant engineer. Ive been troubling him for months to try and make me a Rajkumar that moves and he did a good job, laughs Arni. The exhibit has brought out a feeling of nostalgia for bygone times and people. Thats whats been wonderful about the show it makes people remember their parents and another time. There have been people whove been quite emotional at times, wishing that their parents could have seen this show. In a way, its a little bit like time travel, says Arni. (Southern Stars is open to visitors for free at Gallery Sumukha, Wilson Garden, until March 1)