Sharief Bhai biryani comes to Madurai; new restaurant opened at Anna Nagar in city - Lotus Times
Sharief Bhai biryani comes to Madurai; new restaurant opened at Anna Nagar in city Lotus Times
Nine arrested for changing Class 12 exam answer sheets of two students in three subjects in TN
MADURAI: In a possible larger scam in Class 12 public exams in Tamil Nadu, a CB-CID team arrested nine persons, including four government employees, in Madurai on Thursday night for changing the answer sheets of two Class 12 students in three subjects during the board exam in 2023. According to CB-CID sources, the arrested were identified as superintendent Rama Prabakaran and junior assistant Kannan of the Madurai District Education Officer (elementary) office; Paramasivan, a government school teacher from Melur; Karthick Raja, lab assistant of Kottampatti government school; parents of the two students and one of the accused students. A search is on to nab the other student who is currently on the run, sources said. The two students were from the same private school in Madurai city. The malpractice came to light in 2023 when an exam official, during a super check, discovered that the answer sheets of the two students had similar handwriting. Subsequently, authorities found the same handwriting in the answer sheets of three subjects mathematics, physics and chemistry. Following this, the school education department issued memos to the students asking them why they should not be debarred for a period of five years for the malpractice. The department also withheld their mark sheets. Sources said the students initially insisted that their answer sheets were genuine, but they later withdrew the statement. One of the parents approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court seeking to quash the memo and direction to the department to issue mark sheet to his son. The court then directed Tallakulam police to formally register a case upon the complaint of the joint director (higher secondary) and later transferred the case to the CB-CID in November 2023. Another parent filed a similar petition, but the court dismissed it. According to police, during investigation, it was found that Kannan and Prabakaran, with the help of Paramsivan and Karthick Raja, replaced the answer sheets of the two students by paying them `1 lakh for each paper. The handwriting of one of the four government staff members matched the handwriting found on the answer sheets. The papers have been sent for further analysis, sources said.
NHAI demolishes 125 houses for road widening near Sholavandan in TN, residents continue protest
MADURAI: In line with an order passed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) demolished 125 houses in Mullipallam village, near Sholavandan. Tensions prevailed in the area, leading to a scuffle between the locals and the police. The locals claimed that they had been residing in the area for over 50 years. For the past one month, residents of Mullipalam staged various protests and petitioned District Collector MS Sangeetha against the high court order on the demolition of 128 houses. The residents alleged that one person submitted forged documents to the high court, claiming that they were living on encroached land. Subsequently, the high court ordered the demolition of 128 houses, and NHAI issued notices to the residents. On Friday, NHAI demolished 125 houses of the 128 houses. Residents raised slogans against revenue officials and the police, and the police intervened. Three house owners received an interim injunction order from the high court over the demolitions. Speaking to TNIE, CPI (ML) district secretary Mathivanan, who led the protest, said Three persons obtained an interim injection from the high court while 125 houses were demolished. Even though NHAI demolished the houses, the residents will not allow the road extension work. We will continue our protests, he said. The protesters also urged the district administration to arrange shelter and other basic amenities in their village.
TNPL | Shivam Singhs ton helps Dindigul Dragons tame Madurai Panthers
The opener sets up the Dindigul outfits 30-run victory and books his team a place in the playoffs; the Madurai side bows out of the race
Madurai city police trying to cut supply chain of ganja, tobacco through school, college students
Artists beautify city walls ahead of Maa Madurai Vizha
Tamil Nadu Lawyer Goes To Court For Protection To Run Consensual Brothel
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has dismissed a request for protection to run a brothel for consensual sexual activity, and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the petitioner.
Madurais jewel, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, shines again after restoration - Deccan Herald
Madurais jewel, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, shines again after restoration Deccan Herald
T.R. Mahalingam a journey from singing at temples to the tinsel world
Thenkarai Ramakrishna Mahalingam was born in 1924 near Cholavandan in Madurai. He started singing at a young age. Meiyappa Chettiar cast him as Lord Krishna in Nandakumar in 1938. The film failed, but Sri Valli, which ran for 55 weeks, gave him a break
Madurai omni-bus operator ties up driver, assaults him
Police book the accused after video clipping of torture went viral ion social media
Farmers block NH in Tamil Nadu as demands unmet, 151 arrested
THOOTHUKUDI: Urging the state government to fulfil their demands, including insurance payout for crop losses during the financial year 2023-24, farmers of Vilathikulam region staged a protest at Melakaranthai on the Thoothukudi-Madurai national highway. Meanwhile, the Ettayapuram police arrested 151 farmers for blocking the national highway. The farmers, led by Karisalboomi Vivasayigal Sangam, demanded the state government to provide adequate insurance relief. Crops such as black gram, green gram, onion, chilly, coriander, maize and kambu cultivated in Pudur, Vilathikulam and Kovilpatti areas were flooded during the unprecedented rain in December 2023. Despite insuring the crops, the companies have not released the insurance amount, they said, adding that in the upcoming rabi season, the state government must provide high-yielding seeds so that the farmers can sustain this year. Among other demands, they sought the conversion of a kutcha road connecting Thapathi-Sakilipatti-Keezhnattukurichi villages into a pucca road. They also asked for government buses to ply through Ettayapuram, Muthalapuram, Melakaranthai, Vembur and Arupukottai. The buses must start at its scheduled time of 7.10 am at Ettayapuram bus stand, be operated regularly and without interruptions, as several students rely on this bus to reach their schools, the protesters said. Since road accidents are frequent on the Ettayapuram-Melakaranthai-Alagapuri sections of the Thoothukudi-Madurai national highway, the farmers urged the district administration to construct a government hospital at Melakaranthai junction.
1st after Covid: Aavin registers per day milk procurement of 36L ltr
CHENNAI: After more than three years, Aavins average daily milk procurement has reached 36 lakh litres, thanks to the increased milk production and a cut in procurement rates by private companies. The figure excludes the 4 lakh litres milk received at milk cooperative societies in villages but sold locally in the respective villages. The last time Aavins procurement reached 37 to 38 lakh litres a day was during the Covid-19 lockdown from May to December 2020. Sources said dairy farmers, who had switched to private companies for higher procurement prices last year, have returned to Aavin after those companies unilaterally cut their prices by Rs 3 to Rs 7 a litre since the first week of June. Moreover, Aavins efforts to facilitate loans for its suppliers through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and cooperative banks, along with the creation of new village-level milk societies and the revival of several dormant societies, also contributed to the increased procurement. The present daily procurement of around 36 lakh litres is higher than Aavins demand to of 30 lakh litres across the state. Consequently, the production of milk powder, butter, and ghee has increased to full capacity at the Aavin dairy plants after many years. The dairy-cum-powder plant at Ammapalayam in Tiruvannamalai district is now producing butter and skimmed milk powder at 90% to 95% of its total capacity of 20 MT and 12 MT a day respectively. Until recently, these plants operated at around 40% of their installed capacity. With milk procurement expected to remain high until January-February next year, Aavin is planning to expand the sale of paneer and buttermilk across the state. S Vineeth, MD of Aavin, told TNIE the dairy cooperative currently has 2,800 MT of butter and 4,200 MT of milk powder in stock. Butter and ghee will be sold through all our channels without any short supply from now. The plant at Tiruvannamalai is producing butter to its full capacity for the first time. The last time milk procurement reached 36 lakh litre to 37 lakh litre was during the Covid-19 lockdown. Apart from Tiruvannamalai, the Aavin dairies at Madurai, Krishnagiri, Erode, and Salem are also converting dry milk into milk powder, with a total daily capacity of 90 MT. The storage capacity for milk powder is 7,805 MT and for butter, it is 4,629 MT. The large-scale sale of paneer and buttermilk will be launched through wholesale agents across the state, added Vineeth. From January to May, Aavins milk procurement had significantly dropped by 5 lakh to 7 lakh litres a day, reducing daily procurement to 25 lakh litre to 26 lakh litre. As a result, Aavin incurred substantial losses by purchasing butter from the open market to reconstitute milk, increase its fat content before selling it to consumers. Aravind Rajan of Theni, a milk dealer, said, Private companies have slashed the price by Rs 4 a litre and the incentive by Rs 1 to Rs 2, citing a drop in milk demand. Milk producers who availed loans through banks at 15% interest were disappointed and resumed supply to Aavin. Aavin purchases cow milk for Rs 38 a litre and buffalo milk Rs 47 from dairy farmers.
Ragapriya Chamber Music Club concerts begin in Madurai on Friday
Man murders friend, stabs another near Madurai
India narrowly misses semifinals at World Junior Squash Championships
CHENNAI : India boys and girls lost narrowly in the quarterfinals of the World Junior Squash Championships Team competition in Houston. The sixth-seeded boys went down 1-2 to fourth-seed South Korea, and the girls by an identical margin to third seed Malaysia. Yuvraj Wadhwani got India boys off to a winning start with a 3-2 win over Seojin Oh. However, Shaurya Bawa, who last week won individual bronze, went down to individual silver medallist Joo Young Na in four close games. In the deciding tie, Kun Kim proved too strong for Arihant KS. India results (quarterfinals): Boys: India lost to South Korea 1-2 (Yuvraj Wadhwani bt Seojin Oh 11-7, 4-11, 7-11,11-7,11-6; Shaurya Bawa lost to Joo Young Na 9-11, 11-6, 9-11, 6-11; Arihant KS lost to Kun Kim 7-11, 6-11, 9-11); Girls: India lost to Malaysia 1-2 (Shameena Riaz lost to Whitney Wilson 7-11, 3-11, 10-12; Anahat Singh bt Thanusaa Uthrian 6-11, 15-13, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6; Nirupama Dubey lost to Doyce Ye San Lee 7-11, 11-7,11-5, 10-12, 3-11). Orazly makes winning start In a fierce battle between two foreign Grandmasters Annageldyev Orazly (Turmenikistan) and Sizhvesky Alexander (Russia) on the top board, the latter employed the Pelikan variation of Sicilian defence. In an attacking game, black outwitted white after winning an exchange. Combining his Queen and rook he scored an emphatic victory by attacking the white king at the 21st Tamil Nadu IM Norm Closed Circuit Tournament. J Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary SDAT inaugurated the meet by making a formal move over the chess board against GM RB Ramesh in the presence of Manickam, president, of TNSCA. Results: Round 1: Annageldyev Orazly 1 (Turmenikistan) 0 lost to Alexander (Russia) 1; Mangandan S (India) .5 drew with Manik Mikulas (Slovakia) .5; Akash G (India) 1 bt Athvik Adiga (India) 0; Lokesh N (India) 0 lost to Adireddy Arjun (India) 1. Apurva advances Apurva Vemuri of Telangana blanked Ashmita Mitra of Bengal 6-0, 6-0 in the girls qualifying third round match of the Indium Software AITA tennis championship organised by TNTA. Results: Women: Qualifying 3rd Round: Apurva Vemuri (TS) bt Ashmita Mitra (WB) 6-0, 6-0; Aadhya Balaji (TN) bt Ana Varshney (UP) 6-1, 6-1; Adithi Are (TS) bt Elin Harshini (TN) 6-1, 6-2; Aditi Tyagi (HR) bt Deeksha (TN) 6-2, 6-1; Diya Ramesh (TN) bt Aareyalee Amrutsinh Chavan (MH) 6-4, 6-4; Danica Nirmal Fernando(MH) bt Gauri Anant (MH) 6-0, 6-0; Gayatri Rajesh Menon (KL) bt Richa Dadasaheb Chougule (MH) 6-3, 6-0; Diya Bhatia (UP) bt Kotishtha Modak (MH) 1-6, 6-3, 10-4. Men: Qualifying 2nd Round: Arjun Mahadevan bt Abraar Kariim 6-1, 6-2; Dhruv Promod bt Suresh Babu D 6-1, 6-2; Hemant Kumar bt Girish Dadasaheb Chougule 6-1, 6-0; Mahalingam A Kandhavel bt Lohith Aksha W/O; Nithin Adhith bt Jachin Boas 6-1, 6-4; Krish Subhramanaiam bt Nitin Padbanaban 6-2, 6-1, Rethin Pranav bt Vishnu Balachander 6-2, 7-5; Shashank M bt Aniketh Venkataraman 4-6, 6-4, 10-4; Rahul Ram bt Sai Kiran CR 7-5, 6-2; Sampath Somgovin bt Koushik Saravanan 6-2, 6-2; Sharaniyan S bt Kollapaneni Mohan Krishna 6-7(1), 6-1, 10-3; Nithik Sivakumar bt Manish Balaji 4-1 Retd; Faraz Shaker bt Harshad Nandha Kumar 6-1, 6-0. Chelladurai Raja shines Pooli Chelladurai Raja took 6/18 as Tenkasi beat Cuddalore in a thrilling finish of TNCA Inter Districts U-16 Tournament 2024-25 (P R Thevar Trophy). Brief scores: Vellore (Group A): Cuddalore 106 in 39.3 ovs (Pooli Chelladurai Raja S 6/18) lost to Tenkasi 107/9 in 39.3 ovs (P Arun 3/17, S Abhilash 3/26); Vellore 127 in 48.1 ovs (NE Nithesh 59, RK Kedar 3/32) lost to Thiruvallur 131/2 in 31 ovs (S Naveen 38 n.o, I Junaid Mustaq 35); Dindigul (Group B): Nilgiris 100 in 28.3 ovs (V Boorwin 34, SU Muhammed Raseen 35, J Aswath 5/26, N Suryaprakash 3/12) lost to Ariyalur 101/4 in 29.2 ovs (S Sivaseran 35); Dindigul 243/9 in 50 ovs (BL Sanjay Balaji 124 n.o, A Hemanth 45, D Aswin Kumar 3/68) bt Pudukkottai 114 in 39 ovs (M Mohammed Ashfaq 3/21, K Deepan 3/24); Ranipet (Group C): Tirupattur 169 in 49.4 ovs (Tharun 61, Anirudh Sridhar 3/28, S. Mukundhan 3/21) lost to Kancheepuram 170/3 in 26.1 ovs (Adhvick Eswaran 67); Ranipet 94 in 41 ovs (N Deva 3/9) lost to Kallakurichi 95/9 in 33.4 ovs (P Dharun Kumar 6/16); Salem (Group D): Salem 292/5 in 50 ovs (S Pugal 89, K Karun Danush 44, R Dhesigan 48, VG Pugal Vishnu 72 n.o, B Tharun 3/65) bt Dharmapuri 119 in 44.1 ovs (T Akash 37, A. Anish Duke 4/12); Mayiladuthurai 139 in 48 ovs (V Nithishwar 47, Z Mohammed Haalid 4/16) lost to Coimbatore 140/ 4 in 30.5 ovs; Sivagangai (Group E): Tirupur 125 in 37.2 ovs (S Dhanvanth Anamangad 50, K. Kaviarasan 3/36) bt Sivagangai 122 in 48.4 ovs (J Arul Sebastin 33, S Arish Rahul 3/10); Theni 145 in 43.1 overs (MP Abhiman Sundar 41, V Arun 5/11) bt Tirunelveli 113 in 37.4 ovs (R. Daksh Anirudh 4/20, M.P. Abhiman Sundar 3/5); Thoothukudi (Group F): Kanyakumari 143 in 41.4 ovs (Immanuel Easter Josese 56, Shakthivel 4/42) bt Thiruvarur 91 in 34.6 ovs (M. Mohamed Mavasim 4/19); Thoothukudi 126 in 44.5 ovs bt Thanjavur 117 in 32.5 ovs (AJ Abhinav 5/30); Tiruchirappalli (Group G): Tiruchirapalli 294/8 in 50 ovs (T. Pakirthan 115, N Ajay Sachin 61, V Shailendar 3/40, Surenthar 3/50) bt Nagapattinam 134 in 46.3 ovs (S Dheeran 40, A. Rufus Stewart 3/14, J. Ajay 3/23); Madurai 130 in 49.3 ovs (Ashwath 37, Mohammed Rafan 4/9) lost to Erode 134/5 in 33.5 ovs (Sakthivel 34, Ridam Kumar 34, Pranav Ram 3/26); Thiruvannamalai (Group H): Ramathapuram 238/5 in 50 ovs (A Abdul Malik 119 n.o, G Arunbuvanesh 34) bt Karur 112 in 30.2 ovs (GM Ruthuvik ashwa 3/3); Chengalpattu 234/9 in 50 ovs (AZ Laiq Aariz 44, Siddarth Balakrishnan 41, R.T. Vetri Selvan 3/38) bt Tiruvannamalai 158 in 40.6 ovs (S Abhishek 45, S Mohamed Thareek 30, S Akshay Barath 3/26, S Varun Vikas 3/33).
Wife of IAS officer who 'eloped' with gangster dies after returning home, know what happened
Sources suggest that Surya may have gone to her husband's home to evade arrest by Tamil Nadu police in connection with the kidnapping of a 14-year-old boy in Madurai.
New Income Tax slabs disappoint salaried taxpayers in Chennai
CHENNAI : Salaried taxpayers have said the new income tax slabs and a hike in the standard deduction announced in the Union Budget have fallen short of expectations. KP Ranga Prasad, an IT Professional from Srirangam, said taxpayers who opt for the old tax regime have not received any benefit. This indirectly encouraged taxpayers to migrate to the new tax regime. As old regime taxpayers, we expected some benefits, such as increasing the standard deductions to at least Rs 1 lakh from Rs 50,000, which was not done. There were several exemptions for taxpayers in the old regime when they invest in social security schemes unlike the new regime. This indirectly pushes taxpayers towards migrating to the new regime which is slowly altering our spending culture, Ranga Prasad said. Supriya P, who has opted for the old tax regime and works in IT sector in Chennai, said, For me, there is no change in the tax slab itself, which will be 30%. However, my husband and I were hoping that the deductions under (Section) 80C would be increased to at least Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh from the gross taxable income but it continues to remain at Rs 1.5 lakh. RP Sreedhar, an accounts and finance consultant based in Chennai, said while it was expected that the standard deductions would be increased as was done in the last five years, it could have been increased to at least one lakh, considering the increased cost of living. Further, while several salaried employees have opted for investments that go on up to 10 years to 15 years, they provide no tax benefits to them at present as capital gains tax has been hiked, Sreedhar said. Short term capital gains tax will be increased from 15% to 20% and long term capital gains will be taxed at 12.5%. S Vijaykumar, an employee of a private company in Madurai said he would not have to pay any tax with the increase in the standard deduction from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 in the new tax regime. My salary is more than Rs 7 lakh. After applying the standard deduction, it will come to around Rs 6.9 lakh, and I will fall under the new tax slab of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. Applying the tax rebate under 87A, I need not pay the 5 % tax also. However, if I chose to go with the old tax regime, I would have to pay more tax despite applying my tax saving options like health and term insurance, he said. The new tax regime offers a mixed bag of benefits and disadvantages for salaried individuals. On one hand, the changes promise immediate tax relief by way of beneficial tax rates upto 10,000 and another 7500 due to increase in standard deduction, while on the other, they may deter long-term savings and market investments as long and short capital gains rates are increased by 2% and 5% resulting in net zero benefit for salaried class like us, said Ram Prakash(35) who works at a private firm.
HMs, teachers cant be used for non-academic work, says Madras HC
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court said that services of headmasters and teachers of government schools should not be utilised for purposes other than teaching and school administration. Setting aside the orders passed by chief education officer against the petitioners, A Kalaiselvi and N Sasikala Rani, headmistresses of two government schools where laptops meant for free distribution were allegedly stolen, Justice Battu Devanand directed the state government to formulate a comprehensive procedure and modalities for distribution of free laptops to students in government and government-aided schools and colleges. Kalaiselvis counsel submitted that the theft could have been avoided if the authorities had distributed the laptops on time instead of waiting for a VIP to do it. In the case of Sasikala Rani, the authorities had asked her to cough up the cost of the stolen laptops. The counsel also added that the police failed to trace the laptops using electronic identification numbers, serial numbers, and special identity marks. The court observed that it is an undisputed fact that most schools were not in a secured position. The headmasters and teachers cannot be expected to stay at schools during night time to safeguard the laptops. The government, without making necessary arrangements for storing laptops, have made the headmasters scapegoats and this is undoubtedly irrational, unjust and unreasonable, the judge said. The services of headmasters and teachers shall not be utilised for any purpose other than teaching and school administration. Further, the state government is directed to ensure that the police department carries out scientific investigation using the latest technology to trace the stolen laptops, the court added.
Union Budget evokes mixed reaction from trade bodies in Madurai
Tamil Nadu govt's decision to buy power from pvt companies burdening public: Udhayakumar
MADURAI: The Tamil Nadu government has been burdening the public by purchasing power from private companies at high rates, instead of increasing power generation, said former minister RB Udhayakumar here on Monday. Speaking to media persons, Udhayakumar alleged that the people of Tamil Nadu face power cuts and tariff hikes, whenever the DMK comes to power in the state. In addition to power tariff hike, the DMK government has increased several other taxes, including property and water taxes, and is using media propaganda to highlight their achievements. They are not bothered about whether the welfare schemes have reached the common people, the minister alleged. Stating that this is third power tariff hike, he added, The hike comes soon after the DMK's victory in Lok Sabha polls and the Vikravandi by-election. It is reported that the Tangedco obtained Rs 35,000 crore through the tariff hike, yet its financial state remains poor. Instead of generating electricity, Tangedco is reportedly buying power at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore. He further said the hike directly impacts the people of the state as well as business units of small and medium industries. Around 15 percent of these units are facing the risk of being closed down, while the rest 85% units are in shock. Besides, there is no supply of cooking oil and pulses via PDS outlets since April, he alleged.
Madras High Court orders probe panel over books for public libraries
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the higher education department secretary to constitute a committee to inquire into the allegations of illegal purchase of books for public libraries. While hearing a petition filed by S Krishnan in last month, a division bench of then Acting Chief Justice R Mahadevan, who is presently Justice in the Supreme Court, and GR Swaminathan had said the petitioner brought to notice the scandalous state of affairs prevalent in the procurement of books for public libraries in the state. The Director of Public Library is the authority to procure books for the public libraries in Tamil Nadu. He issues notifications calling for responses from publishers interested in supplying books. Though norms stipulate that the year of the publication of the books should not be changed, the bench had noted that there were violations aplenty. The court said the petitioner brought to the fore that the books of writers of yore such as Thiru Vi Ka, A Sa Gnana Sambanthan, Na Parthasarathy and others have been re-published as if they are published recently. Books that have been nationalised and those books whose copyrights have expired were chosen for such re-publication. Since the legal heirs of the writers cannot complain of copyright violation, the fraudsters could resort to such re-publication and re-packaging with false titles and book covers with impunity. The petitioners contention that the respondents must adopt best practices and that procurement of books should not be in breach of their own conditions is beyond cavil. There is a condition that once a book is purchased for a public library, it cannot be purchased again for the next five years. It is seen that this condition has been flagrantly breached. Nationalised books are re-printed and published under different titles and authors names and procured every year. This is nothing short of a scam, the court said.
The woman reportedly died on Sunday by suicide in Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat
Biker dies as phone explodes in pocket on Madurai highway
CHENNAI: American attorney and author Michelle Obama once said, Dont ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own. Well, this quote takes a real form 2,500 women took that first step to create a history for themselves. From across Tamil Nadu home-based business women submitted their applications for the 7th edition of Sakthi Masala Homepreneur Awards-Suyasakthi Virudhugal 2024. This award is an initiative by Brand Avatar, a city-based event management company to recognise and transform women entreprenuers. The companys founder and CEO, Hemachandran L, said, Women in general, have an attitude and aspiration to earn something on their own by exhibiting their talent. From tailoring to digital marketing, women have proved their talents and capabilities. To recognise women from different sectors, the company provides awards in 13 categories from art and culture to home retail and professional. The nominees gathered at the Savera Hotel on Saturday for an interview that decided the winner in each category. Thenmozhi Murugesan, a candidate from the education category, said, I studied in an Anglo-Indian school in Thoothukudi where we were encouraged to communicate only in English. This helped me with my diction. When I moved to Madurai, I found people talking in Tamil and they looked down when I spoke English. As a result, she started her Instagram page (@thenmozhiviews) to teach women and children English through Tamil. Stories like these inspire us and we want to do more. Whereas the candidates say they want recognition and are motivated by us, shared Nina Reddy, managing director of Savera Hotel and one of the jury members. The all-women jury, who are established entrepreneurs, were given eight minutes to interview each candidate asking them about the commencement of the business, the product dealt with, the profits earned and the future of the work. We have gone through a similar phase in our careers and we bring that experience to help the women here. For example, I wanted to start a franchise in my line of operations and was advised to go to a consultancy firm. When one of the candidates had a similar idea to extend her business through a franchise on her own, I suggested she undergo the process through a consultant, says Swarnamugi Ragupathy, director of BGR NEO, ENEXIO power cooling solutions and Swadhika Foods. Concurring, Hemachandran says, We should not underestimate women. They do know how to run a business. But they are hit at scalability. That is why our sponsors invest in the business ideas and give them marketing training after the awards are distributed. In a similar backstory, N Bharathi is at the awards in need of money. She has authored 76 books in five months and has been recognised by Harvard University for this achievement. I do not have a laptop, I work on my mobile phone. People read my words and say that it kindles their feelings. I am very passionate about writing in Tamil and English. Having been recognised nationally, I am unable to take my work a step further because of lack of funds, she shared. The interview rounds were conducted for two days, where even NRIs were evaluated. The winners will be announced at an event on August 11 at Lady Andal Schools auditorium.
Tahsildar has no power to hold peace panel meets: Madras High Court
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court observed that a tahsildar does not have the power to conduct peace committee meetings, and cannot issue any directions under the guise of a peace committee meeting. Justice B Pugalendhi was hearing a petition filed by S Ramasamy of Tenkasi district, seeking permission and police protection for conducting Aadi Kodai festival in Sakthi Pothi Madasamy Temple in Chinnathambi Nadarpatti village of Pavoorchatram taluk. The petitioner also wanted the peace committee proceedings to be quashed. Justice Pugalendhi said this court has held that a tahsildar does not have the power to conduct a peace committee meeting and he/she cannot issue any directions in the guise of a peace committee meeting. It appears that police officers are simply referring the matter to the tahsildar concerned, as if they are facing a law and order problem, instead of handling it. The police department has been established to maintain and ensure law and order. In the event that the police officers are not in a position to maintain law and order in that particular area, the superintendent of police concerned shall look into the issue and transfer the officer concerned and depute another officer, who is capable of handling such issues, the court said. The superintendent of police, Tenkasi district, is directed to look into this issue and depute suitable officers, who can handle law and order problems, the judge said.
Fulfil five major demands in budget: CM Stalin to centre
CHENNAI: Ahead of the union budget on July 23, Chief Minister MK Stalin outlined five key demands for the state on Sunday, which include the release of funds for Chennai Metro Rail project which has been pending for three years, approval for a flyover expressway between Tambaram and Chengalpattu and reduction in income tax burden of middle-class households. In a post on X, Stalin called for approval of the Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail projects, expediting announced railway projects in Tamil Nadu and increase in expenditure limits for houses constructed under rural and urban housing schemes. Responding to Stalins demands on X, BJP state president K Annamalai said over the last 10 years, the centre has provided schemes worth Rs 10.76 lakh crore to the state, which amounts to double the direct tax contribution of Tamil Nadu. He criticised Stalin for posting a message written without understanding the roles of the central and state governments. Annamalai said the centre has been funding projects like the expansion of East Coast Road and the Maduravoyal-Port elevated corridor amounting to Rs 9,386 crore and Rs 5,800 crore respectively. He also said the centre has allocated Rs 2 lakh crore for NH projects in Tamil Nadu over the last 10 years and Rs 6,331 crore for railway projects against the Rs 800 crore allocated for railway projects during 2009-2014 by the UPA government.
Union government must release funds for metro: Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin
CHENNAI: Youth Welfare, Sports Development and Special Programme Implementation Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday inspected the second phase of the Chennai Metro Rail works being carried out at a cost of `63,246 crore in Royapettah, Alapakkam and Poonamallee. He also held a high-level meeting on the second phase of work carried out with the help of funds from the state government and other sources and also the works carried out by Chennai Integrated Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA). The minister, in a post on social media, said the ongoing metro works in each corridor and steps to be taken next were discussed at the meeting. The officials explained the metro rail works as well the aspects of creating an integrated public transport, he said, adding the officials have been instructed to complete the work within the stipulated time. Udhayanidhi also mentioned that CM MK Stalin has asked the centre to allocate its share for the second phase of the metro rail and also grant approval for the Madurai and Coimbatore metro projects in the upcoming budget. While inspecting the ongoing works at Royapettah station which is being constructed at a depth of 21.5 metres, Udhayanidhi also inaugurated the work to be carried out using Bhavani, a tunnel boring machine to construct a line between Royapettah and Radhakrishnan Road. He instructed officials to complete the works being carried out at a cost of Rs 250 crore on time. Who will refuse Dy CM post: Duraimurugan Vellore: Amid speculation that Sports Minister Udayanidhi Stalin may be elevated to the post of deputy chief minister, Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, told reporters on Sunday, Who will refuse the post if it is offered? He further said the decision must be taken collectively by the DMK. While speaking to reporters on Saturday, he said, The CM has to decide. I am bound by the rules and regulations of the party. I consider the partys view more important than my personal view. ENS
Adi Ther festival of Azhagarkoil draws devotees from across Madurai
Adi Ther festival of Azhagarkoil draws devotees from across Madurai - The Hindu
Adi Ther festival of Azhagarkoil draws devotees from across Madurai The Hindu
Madras HC Madurai bench catalyst for positive social change: CJI D Y Chandrachud
CJI D Y Chandrachud inaugurated the Madurai bench's vigentennial, highlighting its leadership in same-sex marriage recognition and protective laws for transgender women. The bench tackles unique environmental challenges and garners national judicial acclaim. Supreme Court judges like Sundresh and Vaidyanathan participated. Article 204 mandates a high court per state, enhancing Madurai benchs influence across India.
Clear Tamil Nadu-specific projects in Union Budget: Stalin urges Centre
Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday expressed hope that the Centre would fulfill the expectations of the people of the state by clearing Tamil Nadu-specific projects in the Union budget 2024-25. For the past three years, the Centre has ot released funds for the Chennai Metro Rail (Phase 2) project, Stalin said and listed other proposals including the pending sanction for the Tambaram-Chengalpattu elevated expressway corridor. In a post on social media platform X, the chief minister highlighted the people's expectations from the Union Budget, saying that for about 10 years, middle-class families have been hoping that their income tax burden would be reduced and tax relief provided to them. Among the state's expectations, he listed the approval for Metro Rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, allocation of adequate funds for already announced railway projects in Tamil Nadu and increasing the expenditure limit under the Centre's rural and urban housing schemes (PM Awas Urban/Grami
23 new TNSTC buses flagged off in Kanniyakumari
KANNIYAKUMARI: Transport Minister SS Sivasankar flagged off 23 bus services here on Saturday. The new buses would ply between Colachel-Dindigul, Kanniyakumari-Rameshwaram, Kanniyakumari-Vellankanni, Kanniyakumari-Salem, Nagercoil-Tanjore and Nagercoil-Dindigul, among other routes. Sivasankar said that based on the instructions of Chief Minister MK Stalin, measures are being taken to increase new buses to ensure passenger comfort. Accordingly, between May 2021 to June 2024 in TNSTC Tirunelveli division (comprising Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts), 111 new buses and 249 renovated buses were introduced. Of these, 50 new buses and 97 renovated buses are in Nagercoil region. He said that 99 new buses for 2023-2024 and 302 new buses for 2024-2025 have been allotted for the TNSTC Tirunelveli division. Sivasankar added that over 24. 82 crore women have travelled on buses for free in Nagercoil region. Stating that measures are being taken for retired transport workers to receive cash benefits, Sivasankar said that the number of government buses would not be reduced. Milk and Dairy Development Minister T Mano Thangaraj, District Collector PN Sridhar and others participated. 27 new buses for Nellai region Assembly Speaker M Appavu and Transport Minister SS Sivasankar flagged off 27 new buses for Tirunelveli region, at a function held at Periyar bus stand in Tirunelveli on Saturday. Sivasankar said the new buses would be operated between Tirunelveli -Tenkasi, Vallioor-Rameswaram, Tirunelveli -Kovilpatti, Thisayanvilai-Rameswaram, Thisayanvili-Tirunelveli, Papanasam-Madurai and other routes. District Collector KP Karthikeyan and others participated in the event.
Madurai Bench a catalyst for positive social change: DY Chandrachud
MADURAI: One would be highly mistaken if he believes the impact of the judgments coming out of the Madras High Court and its Madurai Bench are limited to Tamil Nadu, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said, while addressing a gathering during the 20th anniversary of the setting up of Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Saturday. Madurai Bench is a catalyst for positive social change in the state through its judgments on trans persons rights and recognising the rights of transgender people to get married. The cases that come before the courts reflect the social milieu and contemporary issues faced by society and also reflect how judges react to such issues. The bench strives to reduce pendency, minimise delays and ensure that every litigant receives a fair hearing, irrespective of social or economic status, he said. He further said the Madurai Bench has the distinction of being the first high court campus in the south to instal the Justice Clock, which is a reminder that every minute a judge sits away from the bench is a minute when cases are added to the backlog. Lauding the Bench for its latest remarkable feat, Justice Chandrachud said the Delhi High Court had set up a Disaster Recovery Centre at Madurai Bench this year to ensure regular backup of its data and software. So, Delhi has to look towards Tamil Nadu for a solution if it faces problems, Justice Chandrachud said in a lighter vein. Referring to the CrwodStrike-Microsoft outage, which affected businesses globally, the CJI said dependence on technology has its own drawbacks. He said that the senior members of the bar must promote talent and help junior lawyers by giving them a dignified amount to sustain themselves Of course they come to learn, but also they come to teach us. Every day when I interact with my law clerks, I learn so much more than I share with them, he said. He mentioned that the Madurai Bench in the last 20 years has made that transition into truly being the representative of the Madras High Court. The development of the bar in Madurai and the increasing stake that the lawyers from Madurai in assuming judicial offices in higher excellences of the judiciary in the state reflects the transition that is essential for a bar. Justices of Supreme Court BR Gavai, Surya Kant, MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan, R Mahadevan and Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court D Krishnakumar, Justices R Suresh Kumar, SS Sundar and R Subramanian and other justices of the Madras High Court, Advocate General of Tamil Nadu PS Raman, Additional Solicitor General of India ARL Sundaresan and others were present on the occasion. Later, work on the establishment of 200 e-seva kendras in north and southern districts was also initiated.
Madurai Bench of HC has been a catalyst for positive social change, says CJI
Shed paternalistic approach towards junior lawyers, pay them dignified sum: CJI
MADURAI (TAMIL NADU): Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Saturday asked the advocates to shed away paternalistic approach towards junior lawyers and said paying them pretty low amounts leads to gatekeeping of the profession. After inaugurating celebrations here to mark the 20th anniversary of the setting up of the Madurai Bench of the []
Fashion jewellery exhibition begins in Madurai
Technological dependence has its drawbacks, says CJI D Y Chandrachud
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud highlights drawbacks of technological dependence, nearly missing event due to Microsoft outage. Flight from Delhi to Madurai almost cancelled. Inaugurates 20th anniversary celebrations at Madurai Bench of Madras High Court.
Technological Dependence Has Its Drawbacks, Says CJI Chandrachud
Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Jul 20: Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Saturday said that technological dependence had its drawbacks and cited the Microsoft outage of July 19 as a point in case. His flight from Delhi to Madurai was nearly cancelled due to the Microsoft outage, he said. I am an ardent believer of the benefits of technology and yesterday we saw the adverse effects of technological dependence. After the Microsoft outage, flights all across the country were [] The post Technological Dependence Has Its Drawbacks, Says CJI Chandrachud appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Arittapatti Ravichandran, a green champion who fought against granite quarrying, dies in Madurai
Ravichandran was admitted to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital Friday evening due to sudden breathing problems. Despite intensive treatment, he passed away at around 1am on Saturday.
CJI to inaugurate vigentennial celebrations of Madurai Bench of Madras High Court
Global outage forces cancellation of over 55 flights to and from Bengaluru
BENGALURU: Friday turned out to be a miserable day for flyers in Bengaluru as a total of 28 departing flights from the Kempegowda International Airport and 25 incoming flights were cancelled abruptly due to a global Microsoft system outage. At least 77 flights suffered considerable delays. Most of the cancelled flights were operated by Indigo. With airlines failing to alert flyers about the cancellation, hundreds suffered as they reached the airport by taxi and then had to return home, thus spending both ways. With the check-in of flyers done manually and a paper boarding pass issued inside the terminal, queues moved very slowly in both Terminal 1 & 2 of the airport. Flights had to be cancelled due to the huge pile-up of flyers queuing up for checks, said an airport source. Both incoming and outgoing flights were delayed for an average of 45-50 minutes. Among those whose flight was cancelled was Vibhor V, a consultant in Analytics. With the web check-in completed and boarding pass too on hand, he travelled from Bannerghatta to board his Mumbai flight (6E 5376, which had a departure time of 7.15 pm from T1. He told The New Indian Express , I reached by 4.15 pm and got a shock when the CISF staff did not permit me to enter the terminal. They tried to scan my boarding pass and it could not be done. They said my flight is cancelled as per their records. They asked me to visit the Indigo counter for refund or rescheduling of the flight. When he reached that counter, he saw hundreds waiting for the refund. Indigo said they could not give me the refund immediately as the systems were not working. Nor could they reschedule to the following day as they did not know the flying status of the next day flights, Vibhor added. He paid Rs 1,000 as taxi fare to reach the airport and is paying a similar sum to get back home. Microsoft outage: What services are affected in India? Aditya Tulsyan posted on X that his parents waiting at the airport were panicking after their flight got cancelled and no one was helping them. Those who tried booking tickets for future travel too suffered with the fare accepted but ticket not issued. Karthik Ramanath, was booking a round trip ticket from Bengaluru to Mumbai around noon. I booked my onward ticket from Bengaluru to Mumbai on July 31. It got booked. When I tried booking the return ticket, it said server is down and I could not do so. However, the fare has been deducted. I got a mail later saying my fare will be reimbursed within five days, he said. Cancelled flights An Airport Authority of India source said, Most of the cancelled flights from Bengaluru were operated by Indigo. Their flights to Delhi (6E 6539, 6E 5267), Jaipur (6E 838), Ahmedabad, Trivandrum (6E 6628),Mumbai (6E 5376) Bhopal (6E 6465), Madurai (6E 7586), Hyderabad (6E 638, 6E 855),Chennai (6E 6017) and Vijayawada (6E 7134) were among those cancelled. No international or cargo flight was cancelled. An Air India flight (AI 594)to Coimbatore and a Spicjet flight (SG 531) to Patna from KIA were also cancelled. BIAL version A spokesperson of KIA operator, Bangalore International Airport Limited, said, Global outage with the Navitaire Departure Control System (DCS) has been affecting operations of some airlines across their network, including Bengaluru Airport since 10:40 am.on July 19. Indigo, Akasa, and SpiceJet in T1 and Air India Express in T2 are among the impacted airlines. The Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) and Common Use Self Service (CUSS) systems are also experiencing disruptions. The airlines were carrying out manual check-ins, the spokespeson added.
1400 km trip to Rameshwaram, Madurai in my 14 year old Ford Fiesta 1.6 - Team-BHP
1400 km trip to Rameshwaram, Madurai in my 14 year old Ford Fiesta 1.6 Team-BHP
Can Adi Dravidars perform ritual on ninth day of aadi fest in Pudukkottai temple: Madras HC
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court sought a written or oral response from parties opposing Adi Dravidars from taking part in the mandagapadi ritual during the Aadi festival at Kamakshi Amman Temple in Pudukkottai on Thursday regarding whether the community members could be allowed to take part on the ninth day of the event. Previously, the court had directed the tahsildar and revenue officials to conduct a peace committee meeting to discuss involving the Adi Dravidars on the first or tenth day of the mandagapadi event. A division bench of Justices R Suresh Kumar and G Arul Murugan said the government pleader submitted that a meeting was conducted on July 16 where both Adi Dravidars and members of other communities took part. The Adi Dravidars were willing to perform the mandagapadi on their own on the first or tenth day. As the other communities were not willing to permit this, the issue could not be resolved. The court said that the ceremony would last 10 days and various communities would perform mandagapadi. The court observed that there would be a kappu tying event on the first day and a common function with cultural programmes on the tenth day. The Adi Dravidars said that on the first day, 11 individual families would be performing mandagapadi, and on the tenth day, 12 individual families would perform, the court observed. The court said there would be a car festival on the ninth day along with the mandagapadi event, in which the Adi Dravidars are not allowed to participate. The counsel appearing for the Adi Dravidars suggested that on the ninth day, the mandagapadi event would be over in the morning and no function would be carried out afterwards. If the Adi Dravidars were permitted to perform their mandagapadi on the evening of the ninth day, they would be able to perform pooja and worship the god to their satisfaction. However, the counsel appearing for the other communities sought time till July 22. As the ninth day of the temple event falls on July 29, the Court adjourned the hearing to July 22.
Monsoon helps increase inflow to TN dams
CHENNAI: After a gap of five months, the states reservoirs are finally receiving ample inflow of water, thanks to the southwest monsoon. As of July 18 (Thursday), the combined water storage in all the reservoirs stands at 78.291 tmcft, which is 34.90% of the total capacity of 224.297 tmcft. In February this year, the total water storage in the states 90 reservoirs was 101 tmcft (45.22%) of the total capacity. However, during peak summer, the water storage had been on the decline. While it dropped to 61.860 tmcft (27%) by April 6, it further plunged to 51.973 %, which is just 23.7 % of the capacity on June 1, leading to concerns that the state may face water shortage if the southwest monsoon fails to deliver. Despite the increase in the storage, the present storage is less than the 87.604 tmcft (39.05%) the state had on July 18 last year. However, with heavy rain in many places, and with Karnataka releasing water from Cauvery albeit much lesser than the share that is due to Tamil Nadu, officials believe the state will receive more inflows to its reservoirs in the coming days. A senior official told TNIE , As per SC order, Karnataka has to release 9.1900 tmcft in June. Whereas, we (TN) received only 2.2519 tmcft. Instead of releasing 15.1161 tmcft from July 1 to 15, TN obtained 4.4465 tmcft alone. So, we did not open the shutters for irrigation and struggled to meet even the drinking water needs in tail end areas of delta districts. With the Karnataka government releasing the small quantity of water to Tamil Nadu, the water storage in Mettur reservoir stands at 18.693 tmcft (19.08%) against the total capacity 93.470 tmcft at 4 pm on Thursday. It was 11.936 tmcft (12.77%) on July 1, the official added. The inflow to the dam was reported at 31,102 cusecs, while the outflow is maintained at 1,000 cusecs. The surplus water from Amaravathi dam in Udumalaipet was discharged on Thursday evening as water level touched 86 feet against the full reservoir level of 90 ft. A total of 3,000 cusecs of water was discharged into the Amaravathi river and flood warning was issued to people living along the banks. Highlighting the other major reservoirs water storage, another official added, Of 31 reservoirs in Madurai region, nine stand at between 80% to 100%, while five reservoirs are between 40% to 80% full. In Coimbatore region, Sholaiyar a major drinking water source has reached 90.03%, while Aliyars storage stands at 67.24% now. The official also said, During the southwest monsoon, the western and southern parts will receive more rain. The present forecast also show a positive figure. WRD has completed desilting works at major points in Cauvery and Vaigai basins.
Mettupalayam-Thoothukudi overnight bi-weekly express to be flagged off July 19
CHENNAI: A long-standing demand of rail users for an overnight express train connecting the western and southern districts via the Pollachi - Palani - Dindigul line is about to be fulfilled. Following the approval of the railway board, Southern Railway announced that a new bi-weekly express line will be introduced between Thoothukudi and Mettupalayam from Friday. This train will run via Coimbatore, Udumalaipettai, Palani, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar and Kovilpatti. The introduction of this train was proposed during the Indian Railways Time Table Committee 2022. Union Minister L Murugan will flag off the new train at Mettupalayam station on Friday. According to the schedule, the train will leave Thoothukudi at 10.50 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays and reach Mettupalayam at 7.40 am the next day. Similarly, it will leave Mettupalayam at 7.35 pm on Fridays and Sundays and reach Thoothukudi at 4.20 am the next day. Additionally, three MEMU trains running between Coimbatore and Mettupalayam will be extended to Podanur, with revised operations starting from July 20. The Coimbatore - Tirupati Express will now stop at Samalpatti station, located between Jolarpettai and Salem junctions, in both directions. The stoppage will commence from July 22. The Mysuru - Mayiladuthurai Daily Express will be extended to Cuddalore Port. The train, which arrives in Mayiladuthurai at 6.45 am, will depart at 7 am and reach Cuddalore Port at 8.35 am, stopping at Sirkazhi and Chidambaram stations at 7.23 am and 7.41 am respectively. On the return journey, the Cuddalore Port - Mysuru Express will depart Cuddalore Port at 3.40 pm and reach Mayiladuthurai at 5.30 pm with stops at Chidambaram (4.07 pm) and Sirkazhi (4.23 pm). This extension will take effect from July 19. The frequency of the Mayiladuthurai - Tiruchy Express will be increased from five days a week to daily, starting from July 20.
Man from Manamadurai held for murder of woman in city hospital
Plea to declare Kesampatti area as biodiversity heritage site
There are 18 species of mammals, more than 18species of birds, 30 species of butterflies and six species of dragonflies in the forest range adjoining Kesampatti, says Madurai Nature and Cultural Foundation which conducted a daylong study in this area
Applications invited to fill vacant posts in Madurai, Paramakudi jails
Puducherrys Cockfighting Competition Blends Culture And Tradition
As per a Local18 report, the rooster fighting competition is very popular in areas like Thanjavur, Pattukkottai, Trichy, Madurai and Pudukkottai, among others.
Despite A Ban By Madras High Court, Cockfighting Competition Continues In Puducherry
As per a Local18 report, the rooster fighting competition is very popular in areas like Thanjavur, Pattukkottai, Trichy, Madurai and Pudukkottai, among others.
Madurai: Bigger cooperatives deduct commission, incentives, say dairy farmers
MADURAI: Stating that bigger units deduct commission and the incentive offered by Aavin is not reaching them, many small milk cooperative societies sought transfer of ownership of bulk milk coolers (BMC) from bigger milk cooperatives to the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (Aavin). According to official records, over 870 milk cooperative societies are registered under the District Cooperative (Dairy) department in Madurai district. In order to safeguard milk, around 51 BMC units have been established in Madurai to collect milk from cooperative societies. Speaking to TNIE, Vadikovil Milk Cooperative Society president V Govinda Pandian said, The establishment of BMC units was a good move by the state government, through Aavin, as it helps prevent the milk from spoiling. The capacity of BMCs ranges from 1,000 litres to 10,000 litres. Some milk cooperatives installed these units and took care of the maintenance of these units. However, they are not providing the details to each farmer after milk procurement. While Aavin announced Rs 35 per litre for all categories, to all milk farmers through milk cooperatives, each milk farmer gets Rs 32-33 per litre directly. Milk cooperatives that own and maintain the BMCs charge Rs 1-2 for themselves. They claim that this is taken as a maintenance charge for the BMC units. Therefore, we seek transfer of ownership of the BMC unit to Aavin (Madurai) administration. An office bearer of a milk cooperative said, BMC units are owned by big milk cooperatives. They claim that the cost of BMC units is around Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh, and the cost is indirectly recovered by small milk cooperatives through the farmers. Some of the bigger cooperative societies have a good influence over a number of societies and Aavin. The voices of small cooperative milk societies are unheard. A top official from Aavin (Madurai) said, There are 51 BMCs in Madurai district, but seven of them are not operational since the storage of milk has been reduced. Besides, there is a serious shortage of manpower in the Madurai division. So, the BMCs are maintained by a few milk cooperatives. There are no major issues in the system.
Madurai PUCL urges TN to file FIR against cops involved in encounters
MADURAI: Condemning the state police for allegedly conducting unnecessary encounters, People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) General Secretary A John Vincent on Tuesday urged the police department to follow the guidelines put forward by the apex court in a PUCL versus Maharashtra government case (2014), and file FIR against the officers involved in the encounters. In a press statement, Vincent said, Durai alias Duraichamy of Tiruchy was allegedly killed by Pudukottai Alangudi inspector Muthiah on July 14. Similarly, one Jegan was killed by the Tiruchy police in a fake encounter in November. The accused, Thiruvenkadam, who was involved in the murder of BSP state chief Armstrong, was also allegedly killed by the police. Vincent said that all such fake encounters indicate that the police have been acting on their own, while failing to control the law and order in the state. He further demanded the state government to take action against the police officials who are involved in the fake encounters by following the apex court guidelines issued in 2014. Weapons used in the encounters must be tested by the forensic department, and a judicial magistrate or independent body like CBI should investigate these cases. Police officials should maintain a register on the details of the accused, search locations, address details and others. Punishment to the guilty officials must be provided under article 141 of the constitution, he added.
NTK functionary hacked to death in Madurai, 4 held
A senior functionary of Naam Tamilar Katchi was hacked to death by an unidentified gang in Tamil Nadu's Madurai on Tuesday, and four persons were arrested in connection with the murder, police said.
Man hits neighbour woman with helmet over petty quarrel in Madurai
Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) Madurai district north deputy secretary C.Balasubramanian (48) was hacked to death by an unidentified gang on the Vallabai Road at Chokkikulam locality in the city on Tuesday.
Land fraud case: Former AIADMK minister MR Vijayabaskar arrested in Kerala
KARUR: The CBCID police arrested the former AIADMK minister, MR Vijayabaskar, who was said to be absconding, in connection with a Rs 100 crore worth land fraud case this morning near Thrissur, Kerala. The special police team is interrogating him at the CBCID office in Karur. His anticipatory bail petitions were rejected by the district sessions court two times. While the anticipatory bail petition filed by him before the Madurai bench of Madras High Court was scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, he was arrested by the CBCID police. According to sources, police also arrested Praveen, one of the accused in the land fraud case, along with Vijayabaskar in Kerala. Based on a complaint lodged by the Mela Karur sub-registrar (in-charge), the Karur city police booked seven, including P Sobana and Praveen, under eight IPC sections for fraudulently registering 22 acres of land worth Rs 100 crore using a fake certificate. The police registered the case on June 9. Concerned that he might be included in the case, MR Vijayabaskar filed an anticipatory bail petition before the District Principal Sessions Court on June 12. However, the court postponed the hearing three times and dismissed the petition on June 25. Since then, Vijayabaskar has reportedly absconded. In the meantime, the land fraud case was transferred to the CBCID on June 14. Meanwhile, a complaint was filed against Vijayabaskar by the landowner, M Prakash, with the city police. Prakash had stated in the complaint that Vijayabaskar and his associates allegedly threatened his wife P Sasikala and daughter P Sobana and fraudulently transferred his 22-acre land worth Rs 100 crore to four individuals using forged documents. The case was transferred to Vangal police on June 22, and they registered a case against 13 people, including Vijayabaskar and his brother Sekar.
Another Tamil Nadu politician murdered, NTK leader Balasubramanian hacked to death in Madurai Hindustan Times
This is not the first high-profile killing in Tamil Nadu as in recent past, state BSP Chief, a functionary of AIADMK, a Congress leader have all been killed in the state
Naam Tamilar Party Leader Hacked To Death In Madurai Days After Tamil Nadu BSP Chiefs Murder
Madurai City Police Commissioner said Balasubramanian was hacked to death on Tuesday morning when he was walking in BB Kulam.
Tamil Nadu: Days After BSP Leader K Armstrong's Murder, NTK Functionary Hacked To Death In Madurai
Work for parasports facility to commence soon at Nehru stadium in Chennai
CHENNAI: The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu will soon begin construction of a parasports facility at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Periamet. Two courts will be set up each for para badminton, sitting volleyball and boccia along with facilities for para taekwondo, para weightlifting, wheelchair fencing, chess and carrom. The arena is to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2.38 crore. A senior official said the internal circulation for wheelchair movement was analysed based on the flow of parasport persons activities, and various parts of the new arena have been zoned accordingly. A site study examined various permutations and combinations with the list of parasports that are played in India as well as spatial requirements for each sport, to arrive at the final layout. The design also attempts to create a multi-functional sports court that can accommodate the maximum number of sports by optimising space and budget. Ancillary facilities like toilets and storage are placed near the court area with an approachway that will have table-top crossings and sidewalks designed for disabled sportspersons. In Chennai, the facility will have space and equipment for 11 sports, including six tables of para table tennis, para judo and goal ball. The facility will also be set up in five other districts Tirunelveli, Cuddalore, Salem, Madurai and Tiruchy which will accommodate two courts for sitting volleyball, one court for boccia, one for goal ball and two courts for para throwball.
Tamil Nadu: Naam Tamilar Katchi party's Madurai North District official hacked to death
Days after the murder of BSP Tamil Nadu chief K Armstrong in Chennai, Naam Tamilar Katchi party's Madurai North District Deputy Secretary Balasubramanian was hacked to death. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning while Balasubramanian was walking in the BB Kulam area of Madurai, according to police.
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Naam Tamilar Katchi functionary hacked to death in Madurai
MADURAI: A 48-year-old functionary of the Naam Tamilar Katchi was brutally hacked to death by unidentified assailants near the residence of IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan in Madurai. The deceased, identified as C. Balasubramanian (48), hailed from PKS Street in Sellur, Madurai, and served as the party's district north deputy secretary. According to reports, the attack occurred on Vallabai Road in Chokkikulam within the jurisdiction of the Tallakulam police station. A gang of more than four individuals intercepted Balasubramanian while he was walking, fatally assaulting him before fleeing the scene. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. His body has since been transferred to Government Rajaji Hospital for post-mortem examination. The incident has sparked fear among local residents who use the road during morning hours. Preliminary investigations by police sources suggest that the deceased functionary had a history of involvement in criminal activities and was embroiled in financial disputes with several individuals. City Commissioner of Police J. Loganathan visited the crime scene to oversee the investigation.
Interim relief for residents from paying toll fee at Tamil Nadu's Kappalur
MADURAI: People residing within a 10 km radius of the Kappalur toll plaza can use the highway free of cost until further orders, officials said on Monday. Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration P Moorthi organised a meeting in the presence of District Collector M Sangeetha, NHAI Project Director Keerthi Bharatwaj, and SIDCO Kappalur Industrial Estate president PN Ragunatharaja to address the protests against the toll plaza collecting fees from residents. Speaking to TNIE, Ragunatharaja said, Moorthi said that the collector would send a representation to the government regarding shifting of the toll plaza. Until then, residents can use the toll plaza free of cost. NHAI officials have asked for details such as the residents' vehicle numbers, and Aadhaar card numbers. NHAI Secretary Anurag Jain and Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena are scheduled to meet in Chennai next week during which a final call will be taken, he added. The toll plaza has been functioning on the Bengaluru - Kanniyakumari national highway for last 12 years. Though the authorities announced relaxation, residents were orally informed that they would have to pay 50% of the fee from July 10. AIADMK Thirumangalam MLA RB Udhayakumar along with the public protested by sitting on the highway until 6 pm, leading to a traffic block for nine hours. Officials assured that a meeting would be held to solve the issues, following which Udhayakumar asked the crowds to disperse.
Woman conceives after family planning surgery, Madras HC tells govt to pay Rs 30,000 to the victim
MDAURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 30,000 to a woman, who conceived after undergoing a family planning surgery at the Government Medical College Hospital in Ramanathapuram. While hearing a petition filed by Sundarya seeking Rs 25 lakh compensation for negligence in performing the surgery, Justice GR Swaminathan said the petitioner, who had undergone the sterilisation procedure on July 29, 2023, conceived later and the pregnancy was confirmed on March 8, 2024. She entered the seventh month of pregnancy in June 2024. Subsequently, the government pleader brought a GO, issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, to the notice of the court laying out the conditions mentioned in the application-cum-consent form, which was filled in by the petitioner ahead of the surgery. As per the form, the petitioner had given consent to alert doctors if she did not get periods, accept the solatium fixed by the department in case of surgery failure, and not to approach the court in this regard. However, the court said it was inclined to follow previous court verdicts in similar cases and not those relied on by the petitioner's counsel. Like things, such operations cannot be made foolproof. There is no material before the court to conclude that the family planning surgery was performed negligently. One cannot confirm negligence merely by the factum of subsequent conception, added the court. Stating the above, the court refused to issue the sought compensation of Rs 25 lakh, and instead directed the state government to pay Rs 30,000 as solatium to the petitioner. Further, the court granted her the liberty to file a civil suit in this regard.
History-sheeter and NTK functionary hacked to death in Madurai
Unidentified youths attacked the deceased, an NTK functionary, with sharp weapons while he was on morning walk; police suspect family dispute
History-sheeter hacked to death in Madurai
Unidentified youths attacked the deceased, an NTK functionary, with sharp weapons while he was on morning walk; police suspect family dispute
Madras HC disposes plea seeking check dam on Valaiyar
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court disposed of a petition seeking directions to construct a check dam across Valaiyar River in Theni district after the state government submitted that appropriate action would be taken based on feasibility and technical study. Hearing the petition filed by T Kanthasoroopan, retired DSP and president of Arroor village committee from Theni district, a division bench of Justices R Suresh Kumar and G Arul Murugan noted that the government pleader has submitted that the work is in progress as feasibility and technical stability studies will be taken up. In the petition, Kanthasoroopan said the main occupation of the people of Bodhipuram, Vazhaiaythupatti, Athipatti, Manjinayakkanpatti, Koppuranganpatti and Valayapatti is agriculture and they have been depending on wells. As of today, the water levels in most of the wells have decreased, and most people are struggling to fetch drinking water. As people are struggling to continue with agricultural activities due to water scarcity, a check dam must be constructed on the Valaiyar, which flows adjacent to these villages. The construction of the check dam was proposed pre-independence and the government had proposed the construction in 2023, but no progress has been made, he submitted.
Madurai sprints toward Olympic academy dream - The Times of India
Madurai sprints toward Olympic academy dream The Times of India
Meet Abu Baker, The 62-year-old 'Guardian' Of Madurai's 105-year-old Banyan Tree
The banyan tree, which helps in filtering air, prospers in the monsoon in June and July. Therefore, Abu Bakar celebrates its birthday every year on July 28.
Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital Opens in Madurai
Additionally, the new hospital will house a specialized, multidisciplinary children's hospital offering maternal and fetal medicine services, along with all pediatric subspecialties including pediatric cardiology, pediatric heart surgery and transplantation, rheumatology, endocrinology, pulmonology, neurosciences, pediatric genetics, gastroenterology, pediatric orthopedics, and pediatric and fetal surgery.
Muslim cops can grow trim, tidy beards, says Madras HC, bins penal order
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, while quashing the police commissioners punishment order on a Muslim police constable, said that the duty of upkeeping discipline in the police department does not permit punishing employees belonging to minority communities, particularly Muslims, for maintaining a beard. The officers increment was reduced by two years as punishment for maintaining a beard. Hearing a petition filed by one G Abdul Khadar Ibrahim, Justice L Victoria Gowri said Khadar, a Muslim, has been maintaining a beard in line with his faith and has been working as a Grade I police constable since 2019. He applied for 31 days leave, between November 9, 2018, and December 9, 2018, to visit Mecca and Madina for religious pilgrimage. Upon his return from pilgrimage, he applied for an extension of the leave along with a medical certificate due to an infection in his left leg. He was directed to meet the assistant commissioner of police, who instead of providing leave questioned his appearance and beard. Further, the deputy commissioner of police (Armed Reserve) issued a charge memo in 2019, framing counts of charges not reporting to duty after completion of 31 days leave and taking a medical leave from December 10 to 30, 2018, and for maintaining the beard against the mandates of the Madras Police Gazette. Later, an enquiry was held, but the enquiry officer mechanically stated the charges had been proved. Further, the officer ordered a stoppage of increment for three years for Khadar, later reduced to two. Quashing the punishment, the court stated the norms throw light on the fact that Muslims are permitted to maintain trim and tidy beards even when on duty. Indias beauty and uniqueness lies in the diversity of the citizens beliefs, it added. This apart, as far as the charge memo is concerned, the petitioner sought medical leave given the infection after returning from a long leave, which the police authorities ought to have granted with consent. The court expressed shock and remanded the matter back to the commissioner. The commissioner was directed to pass appropriate orders. Matter remanded back to commissioner As far as the charge memo is concerned, the petitioner sought medical leave given the infection after returning from a long leave, which the police authorities ought to have granted with consent. The court expressed shock and remanded the matter back to the commissioner.
Traffic diversion from July 19-28 on Madurai-Kochi NH-49 as ROB construction work underway in Theni
No one will take drugs if they visualise the suffering families undergo
Students of Thiagarajar College in Madurai don the role of teachers and take the message of ill-effects of drug usage to their peers
Aavin is steadily showing remarkable growth in T.N.: Dairy Development Minister
Procurement now stood at 1.7 lakh litres, Minister Mano Thangaraj said; last year, Madurai Aavin registered a profit of 4.5 crore
Brothel case: Advocate seeks relief, Madras HC slams Bar Council
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court expressed shock over an advocate allegedly running a brothel in Nagercoil, and dismissed his petition seeking to quash the FIR filed against him. Outraged by the temerity of the petitioner, who claimed to be a practising advocate, in defending his action on the basis of the rights of adults to have consensual sex, Justice B Pugalendhi asked the Bar Council to ensure that only graduates from reputable law colleges get enrolled as advocates. The Bar Council must restrict the enrollment of graduates from dubious institutions in other states, the judge said. In February this year, the Nesamani Nagar police in Nagercoil registered a case under various sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and Pocso Act against Raja Murugan who ran a brothel named Friends For Ever Trust in Nagercoil. Raja, who claimed to be a practising advocate of the Madurai Bench, filed two petitions in the court: one seeking to quash the FIR, and another that sought action against police personnel who allegedly assaulted him during arrest. He further stated that the case against him is a foisted one as consensual sex is not illegal. During hearing, the police submitted that they had rescued a minor girl from the brothel, who mentioned in her statement that she was sexually abused. Advocates are social engineers of change: Judge Expressing shock over the fact an advocate was running a brothel, Justice B Pugalendhi said the legal profession is regarded a noble one, and lawyers are social engineers who bring about change and development. In this case, a minor girl has been exploited by the petitioner, who has taken advantage of her poverty. The Bar Council and police should ascertain the genuineness of the petitioners certificates. The court dismissed the plea to quash the FIRir, noting the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act, 1956, does not declare sex work illegal, but it prohibits the operation of brothels, and said the petitioner had advertised his brothel. Stating that the final report has been filed on the FIR , it dismissed the petition and said the petitioner has the liberty to challenge the final report in a trial court. The court said it is not inclined to grant any mandamus sought in the second petition, imposing a cost of `10,000 on the petitioner, to be paid to district social welfare officer of Kanniyakumari.
74-year-old woman assaulted, killed at pvt hospital in Madurai
MADURAI: A 74-year-old woman, a sanitation worker of a private hospital, was allegedly assaulted and murdered here on Friday. Muthulakshmi of Othakadai, who had been working on the sixth floor of the hospital building, was found dead by other staff members on duty in the morning. Subsequently, the hospital management lodged a complaint with the Mattuthavani police, and the officials, who arrived at the spot, sent the body for postmortem. Police sources said only the woman's ear studs and a nose pin were missing, as observed from the CCTV footage. It is learnt that Muthulakshmi was assaulted, punched and the assailant(s) could have hit her head against the wall. The reason for the murder is yet to be ascertained. The Matthuthavani police have registered a case and investigation is under way.
106 with fake air tickets denied boarding in Madurai
All the 106 passengers who had booked tickets in an Indigo flight through a travel agent in Salem to visit the Ayodhya temple, were stopped at the airport entrance
Law and order: Three murders in four days rattle Madurai district police
Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital opens in Madurai
44 sovereign of gold ornaments stolen from locked house in Madurai
60-year-old woman assaulted, killed in Madurai
MADURAI: 60-year-old woman working in a private hospital was assaulted, and killed suspiciously here on Friday. The woman, identified as Muthulakshmi, was working as a sweeper in the 6th floor of the hospital building. On Friday morning, Muthulakshmi was found dead in the hospital. Upon information, police came to the spot, and sent her body for post-mortem. Following this, the hospital management lodged a complaint with Mattuthavani police station. Police sources said that her nose pin was missing. The reason for the murder yet to be known. Muthulakshmi was grabbed and assaulted, then confronted, punched, choked and hit her head against the wall. Matthuthavani police registered a case, investigation is underway.
Gudalur MLA urges TN govt to review elephant corridor list to protect human settlements
NILGIRIS: Gudalur legislator Pon Jayaseelan urged the state government to review the elephant corridor list as several places included in it have human settlements. Most of the places, such as Masinagudi, Bitharkadu, Srimadurai, Devarsholai, Padanthorai, Puliyamparai, Devala, Cherampadi, and O-Valley, are listed as elephant corridors. However, these are the places where people are currently living in large numbers, and also, these areas come under the Gudalur constituency, Jayaseelan stated in a petition submitted to the Principal Secretary of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, P Senthil Kumar, in Chennai on Wednesday, urging him to reconsider the elephant corridor list. The legislator also flagged the loss of livelihood if the forest department implemented the elephant corridor plan. A total of 37,343 houses have been located in the draft elephant corridor list. If the forest department goes ahead with its plan, people would lose their livelihood, the legislator further stated. People living across O-Valley in particular would be shifted and the place would be allotted for wildlife, he added. The forest department identified 42 elephant corridors across the state and released a draft elephant corridor list on April 29 on the forest department's website. The department officials had given a deadline till May 5 to get suggestions from the public. However, the information related to the release of the draft plan was known to the public only on May 2. Pointing to this Jayaseelan said, Only a short period was given to the public, and the draft plan was published in English. The forest department released the draft plan and gave only a short period to get their feedback. This has raised suspicion about the project. We urged to take alternative steps for wild elephants if the public and their livelihood would be affected by implementing the elephant corridor at Gudalur constituency, he further stated in the petition. In another petition, the Gudalur MLA also urged the forest secretary to take steps to stop wild elephants from venturing into residential lands and provide compensation to farmers who lost crops due to wild elephant movements.
After Madras HC order, Manjolai workers allowed to stay in estate quarters
TIRUNELVELI: The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Limited (BBTCL) has informed the workers of Manjolai tea estate that they need not vacate their quarters on the hills. The decision comes days after the Madras High Court, in an interim order, asked the authorities to maintain status quo in the issue. In a notice served to the workers on Thursday, the private company, whose 99-year estate lease is set to end in 2028, also said the labourers will be paid their 75% ex gratia due within three days. This is to inform all the ex-workers of the BBTCL in Singampatti group, comprising Manjolai, Manimuthar and Oothu estates and factories, that as per the interim order passed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the balance 75% of ex gratia will be deposited by the company with the Assistant Commissioner of Labour (Plantations), Nagercoil, in three days. The workers can submit a request and collect the amount, the notice said. Earlier, the company, which had paid 25% of ex gratia, said it would settle the rest only after the workers vacated the quarters. But after the court order, the company decided to waive the terms of the memorandum of settlement (MoS) with regard to vacating the quarters, until further orders. Meanwhile, MA Arasu Amalraj, advocate for Manjolai Residents Welfare Association, and retired railway staff VM Chelladurai told reporters in Tirunelveli that the state government has been trying to shirk its responsibility. We thought that Chief Minister MK Stalin would talk about the (Manjolai) issue in the Assembly, but only the hooch tragedy occupied the House hours, Amalraj said. Instead of taking a firm decision, the forest minister is saying that he will abide by the court order. But the court can only give suggestions, and it is up to the state government to safeguard the workers, Amalraj said. The government must take over the Manjolai tea estate from BBTCL, he said. He further urged the BBTCL administration to provide `10,000 as compensation to workers who had opted for voluntary retirement scheme but were unable to find any other job for the past 25 days. The state government must break its silence. An all-party delegation will soon meet the CM to urge him to save the livelihood of the workers, Amalraj said. Tea estate workers of Manjolai Hills who opted for VRS grapple with uncertain future TN to file status report on Manjolai tea workers
Maa Madurai Vizha from August 8
School boy in Madurai kidnapped for 2 crore ransom, rescued safely
After police launched a manhunt, they abandoned him;Police suspect money dispute of boys mother behind kidnap
