At pre-Budget meet, Thangam Thennarasu flags GST losses, seeks release of pending dues
He also urges the Centre to reconsider the Metro Rail proposals for Madurai and Coimbatore, saying that the grounds cited for their rejection were inconsistent with those cited for the approval granted to the projects in other cities
Thirupparankundram row: when politics invades a syncretic hill town
In Thirupparankundram in Madurai, Hindus and Muslims live in camaraderie, but that has not kept the hill, which holds a couple of temples, a dargah, and some Jain beds, out of dispute. Here, we outline the history of judgments by different petitioners through the years, in an attempt to understand the current crisis.
Health Minister inaugurates projects worth 4.37 cr. at GRH in Madurai
Unless proper cause is shown, charges will be framed against the contemnors on February 2, says Justice G. R. Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court
Law and order: Pro-active policing helped reduce grave offences in rural areas of Madurai in 2025
15,047 bull owners, 5,234 bull tamers register for three jallikattu events in Madurai
In the first phase, across both the highways, 12 accident-prone zones have been identified and the NHAI has undertaken measures to build Vehicular Underpasses (VUP), Light Vehicular Underpasses and extend service roads
T.N. government notifies 100 reserve forests in last five years
The newly notified forest blocks are spread across 10 districts Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Kallakurichi, Theni, Sivagangai, Namakkal, the Nilgiris, Salem, and Tenkasi
AIADMK-BJP seat sharing talks smooth, says Nainar Nagenthran
AIADMK and BJP leaders met in Chennai for seat-sharing talks. The number of seats finalized will be announced later. Discussions also covered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister's rally is being considered for Chennai or Madurai. BJP national working president Nitin Nabin will visit Coimbatore on January 10 for a party meeting.
Nainar Nagenthran meets Palaniswami ahead of PM Modis visit to T.N.
Talks have been cordial. We discussed the visit of the Prime Minister. We will (further) discuss whether the meeting will be in Chennai or Madurai, Mr. Nagenthran told reporters after the meeting with Mr. Palaniswami
Madras High Court To Hear Contempt Case Over Deepam Orders Today
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court will on Friday take up contempt proceedings before Justice GR Swaminathan against senior district and police officials over the alleged non-compliance of its orders on lighting the Karthigai Deepam
The making of a Jallikattu bull
In Thottiapatti near Madurai, a hub for buying and rearing jallikattu bulls, economy is built around native breeds
Global summit of Tamil entrepreneurs and professionals begins in Madurai
Over 3.5 tonnes of e-waste collected for safe disposal by TNPCB in Madurai
'Balant Attempt To...': Tamil Nadu Guv On Govt Opposing HC Order On Karthigai Deepam
His remarks come only a day after the Madras High Court allowed the ritualistic deepam (lamp) to be lit atop the Thiruparankundram Hills in Madurai.
Bank of Baroda new Regional Office inaugurated in Madurai
Narrow Escape For MK Stalin As His Vehicle's Tyre Burst On Way To Airport
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had a narrow escape on Tuesday when a vehicle in which he was travelling suffered a tyre burst while returning to the Madurai airport after attending a government function in Dindigul district.
'Scandalous': Madras HC Stays Release Of Book Targeting Judge Who Gave Madurai Deepam Verdict
Initiating suo motu contempt, the high court said the book allegedly contained scandalous, abusive and derogatory attacks against a sitting judge, Justice GR Swaminathan
Lamp on hilltop: Madras HC clears ritual, says Tamil Nadu's law & order fears 'imaginary ghost'
The Madras High Court's Madurai bench has backed a decision permitting lamp lighting on Thirupparankundram hill. The court criticized the Tamil Nadu government's law and order fears as baseless. It clarified the land belongs to the temple, not the Waqf Board. The ruling allows temple representatives to light a ceremonial lamp annually.
BJP welcomes Madurai Deepam row verdict, accuses DMK of anti-Hindu politics
Splendid alapana at music festival in Madurai
We are also covering: Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado expresses willingness to share her Nobel Prize with US President Donald Trump.
'Satyameva Jayate': BJP Hails Madras HC Order Directing Lighting Of Deepam On Hill Shrine
Responding to the Madurai Bench's verdict, BJP slammed DMK for their appeasement politics and stated that they today stand exposed before the people of Tamil Nadu.
Madras HC upholds ruling allowing lighting of deepam on Thiruparankundram hill
Chennai: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday upheld an earlier order directing that the traditional Karthigai Deepam be lit on the hilltop at Thiruparankundram Hill, dismissing an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government and the temple administration. The verdict was delivered by a Division Bench comprising Justices G. Jayachandran and 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 .
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has affirmed a single judge's decision, allowing the Subramaniya Swamy temple to light the Karthigai Deepam at the Thiruparankundram hill's Deepathoon. This ruling permits the continuation of the traditional practice at the hilltop stone pillar, alongside other customary spots, dismissing prior objections and ensuring the festival's heritage is preserved.
Tamil Nadu Deepam Row: Madurai Bench To Deliver Verdict Tomorrow
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court will deliver its verdict tomorrow in the high-profile writ appeal arising out of the Thiruparankundram hilltop dispute.
Puthiya Tamilagams seventh State conference in Madurai on January 7
Teaser of 'Jockey' produced by PK7 Studios and directed by Dr. Pragabhal unveiled in style
'Jockey', starring Yuvan Krishna, Ridhaan Krishnas, and Ammu Abhirami in lead roles, is centered around the traditional cultural sport of goat fight (keda sandai) that takes place in Madurai.
Years after completion, several Madurai Smart City Mission works show signs of neglect
Residents and traders flag maintenance lapses and unopened facilities under the Smart Cities Mission
As jallikattu season nears; Madurai arenas gear up for Pongal celebration
Bull assessment for jallikattu commences in Madurai
Madurai Bench imposes restrictions on Santhanakoodu Urus on the Thirupparankundramhill
Justice S.Srimathyrestrains thedargahauthorities from carrying out animal sacrifice, carrying meat and non-vegetarian food, and cooking non-vegetarian food. The direction should be enforced from the foothills to the top, the court has said
Vaikos first padayatra was in 1982 when he accompanied former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in his march from Madurai to Tiruchendur demanding justice for the death of a temple official
TNPSA seeks separate regulatory board for preschools
The association submits memorandum to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Madurai in this regard
Examine modalities for setting up logistics park in Madurai: Income Tax Principal Commissioner
pls add pic by R Ashok
Vehicle registrations rose by 8.4% in 2025 in Tamil Nadu
More than 40% of the total registrations were concentrated in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Salem districts; a total of 21.18 lakh vehicles were registered last year
Lighting of deepam in Thirupparankundram cant be stopped by anyone: Union Minister
Though the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had granted permission to light the lamp in Thirupparankundram, the State government was acting out of political animosity, says Dharmendra Pradhan
Drastic drop in grave crime cases in Madurai City in 2025
Commissioner of Police attributes it to concerted efforts, increased patrolling, preventive efforts
TFMA Trade Fair 2025 commences in Madurai with 280 stalls
555 lost mobile phones found and restored to owners in Madurai city
Unveiling Keeladi: Insights into an ancient Tamil urban settlement and cultural heritage
Excavations at Keeladi near Madurai have revealed crucial insights into an ancient settlement. Sowmiya Ashoks new book, The Dig, explores the intersection of these findings with contemporary socio-political issues in India
SEBI Cancels Registration Of 'Research Analyst' Found Running Grocery Shop
In a shocking case that surprised even the regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has cancelled the registration of a person who was officially listed as a research analyst but was actually running a small grocery shop in Madurai.
All bridges, vital roads to be under strict vigilance to check New Year revellers in Madurai city
Two killed in road accident on Tiruchi-Madurai highway near Kottampatti
Time Will Come: Justice Swaminathan Reacts To Ongoing Deepam Row In Tamil Nadu
Deepam row relates to a dispute over lighting Karthigai Deepam festival lamp at the historic Deepathoon pillar located atop Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai, close to a dargah.
Sourashtrians want Madurai Airport named after NMR Subbaraman
Tourist from Madurai trapped between rocks in Pondy Marina rescued
Music festival at Sathguru Sangeetha Samajam to begin from January 3 in Madurai
Petition Filed To Stop Festival At Dargah At Centre Of Tamil Nadu Deepam Row
A writ petition has been filed before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court seeking directions not to permit the 'Kanthuri' festival at a dargah located atop the Thiruparankundram hill in the district on January 6 over animal sacrifice.
Madurai man loses 68 lakh to threat of digital arrest
Madras HC asks centre to consider Australias social media ban
Madurai: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has observed that the Centre could consider framing a legislation to regulate the use of internet by kids, similar to a law in Australia. Until such a legislation is in place, the state and national commission for protection of child rights could draft an action plan 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 .
NEW DELHI: India is not only the diabetes capital of the world but is also fast emerging as the diabetic retinopathy capital, experts warned, while attributing the rise in this vision-threatening condition to poor awareness among both doctors and the public. According to experts, currently, 85% of diabetic patients are unaware that diabetes can impact vision and have never undergone a retinal examination. Concerned about the rise in diabetic retinopathy (DR) cases, experts from across the country met to develop, in consultation, revised India-specific national guidelines for the early detection and management of DR, to combat this public health challenge. The new guidelines introduce a comprehensive, technology-enabled and system-integrated approach that can change the trajectory of eye care for diabetic patients in India and aims to achieve 80% DR screening coverage among the diabetic population. The updated guidelines announced by Vision 2020-The Right to Sight India, a national consortium of not-for-profit eye hospitals across the country, outline a tiered diagnostic and treatment pathway that ensures timely intervention at every level of care. Speaking with the TNIE , Dr Rajesh Saini, President, VISION 2020, India, said, Diabetic retinopathy is a growing public health concern, silently threatening the vision of millions. These new guidelines, rooted in expert consensus and enriched with the latest diagnostic and management protocols, will empower healthcare providers to detect and intervene earlier, especially in underserved communities. He said they have updated the 2015 manual on DR, a silent yet steadily rising cause of avoidable blindness, to align with current best practices. We want to drive nationwide awareness, strengthen clinical capacity, and reinforce the message that vision loss from diabetes is preventable with timely action, said Dr Saini. Dr Vishali Gupta, President at Vitreo Retinal Society India, PGI, Chandigarh, said, India is not only the diabetic capital of the world but also the world capital for diabetic retinopathy. But we are not doing anything about it. Diabetic retinopathy should be included in the National Diabetes Program. So far, the focus is on screening. Our focus should be on DR because it affects the economically productive age group, those in their forties and younger. By prioritising timely and systematic screening, we can identify the disease much earlier, significantly improving outcomes. Evidence shows that early intervention can halve the risk of severe vision loss, and these guidelines translate that evidence into actionable practice across all levels of care, she told this paper. According to Dr R Kim, CMO at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Every patient who has diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The sheer number is huge. People with diabetes dont know when they will develop it. So that's why we insist that they should get their eyes screened at least once a year. The guidelines recommend screening right at the time of diagnosis for type 2 diabetes. If we start creating awareness on having a regular eye checkup for everyone, then I think we will be able to prevent DR and other eye diseases, which can cause people to go blind, said Dr Gupta. According to the 2023 Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study, there are an estimated 101 million people in India with diabetes, 136 million pre-diabetics and 315 million people with hypertension in 2021. Experts said the number could exceed 125 million by 2045. Among them, nearly 6-7 per cent, or approximately four to six million individuals, are already at risk of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. The new guideline lists financial coverage for essential DR treatments (lasers, anti-VEGF and bispecific IVI injections, OCT monitoring) under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to reduce out-of-pocket costs. It also highlights integration through ABHA IDs, strengthening referral chains and leveraging tele-ophthalmology hubs for continuity of care. It strongly pitches for developing National Diabetes and DR Registries to enable real-time monitoring and data-driven policy planning. In India, epidemiological data show that DR affects approximately 18% of urban and 10.4% of rural populations with diabetes, which means nearly one in five urban diabetics is at risk of vision impairment. While early detection and timely intervention can prevent blindness in most cases, awareness levels remain low, not only among patients but also among some healthcare practitioners. Experts said many non-ophthalmic providers, such as diabetologists, endocrinologists and primary care physicians, do not consistently refer patients for retinal screening, leading to late diagnosis and irreversible vision loss in many cases.
Vision loss rampant as India home to diabetic retinopathy capital, say experts
NEW DELHI: India is not only the diabetes capital of the world but also the diabetic retinopathy (DR) capital too, said experts here. They attributed the lack of awareness among physicians and the public for a surge of this eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness among diabetics. According to experts, currently, 85% of diabetic patients are unaware that diabetes can impact vision and have never undergone a retinal examination. Concerned experts met recently to develop revised India-specific national guidelines for the detection and management of DR. The new guidelines introduce a comprehensive, technology-enabled, and system-integrated approach that can change the trajectory of eye care for diabetic patients in India and aims to achieve 80% DR screening coverage among the diabetic population. The updated guidelines announced by Vision 2020-The Right to Sight India, a national consortium of not-for-profit eye hospitals across the country, outline a tiered diagnostic and treatment pathway that ensures timely intervention at every level of care. Speaking with this paper, Dr Rajesh Saini, President, VISION 2020, India, said, These new guidelines, rooted in expert consensus and enriched with the latest diagnostic and management protocols, will empower healthcare providers to detect and intervene earlier, especially in underserved communities. Dr Vishali Gupta, President at Vitreo Retinal Society India, PGI, Chandigarh, said, DR should be included in the National Diabetes Program. It affects the economically productive age group, those in their forties and younger. By prioritising timely and systematic screening, we can identify the disease much earlier, significantly improving outcomes. According to Dr R Kim, CMO at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, We insist that they should get their eyes screened at least once a year. Data show that there are an estimated 101 million diabetics in India, 136 million pre-diabetics in 2021. Approximately four to six million individuals are already at risk of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. The new guideline lists financial coverage for essential DR treatments under Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to reduce out-of-pocket costs. It also highlights integration through ABHA IDs, strengthening referral chains, and leveraging tele-ophthalmology hubs for continuity of care. New norms to reduce out-of-pocket costs The new guideline lists financial coverage for essential diabetic retinopathy (DR) treatments under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to reduce out-of-pocket costs. It also highlights integration through ABHA IDs, strengthening referral chains, and leveraging tele-ophthalmology hubs for continuity of care.
Toy industry in the State is now worth around 1,000 crore
December witnessed two significant developments one involving Funskool, the Chennai-headquartered toy manufacturer, and the other emerging from the temple town of Madurai. Funskool announced its foray into the electronic toys segment with the launch of a new product range, while Madurai-based Rigwheels, which began operations in 2024, unveiled its debut product the Vande Bharat toy train
Thirupparankundram deepam row: what Sthaneeka Bhattars testified 30 years ago
When a row broke out over lighting ofKarthigaiDeepamat the hill inMadurai, fourSthaneekaBhattarsof theSubramaniaswami Temple testified that the lamp had been lit at theUchipillaiyar Temple since time immemorial
New e-autos targeting women and tourists launched in Madurai
Women auto drivers can equip themselves with value-additions such as road safety training, soft skills, basic tourism knowledge and a responsible/professional conduct, says Tourism Ministry official
Madurai EOW seeks complaints of cheating by online trading company
It has defrauded a man of 50,000 on promise of higher returns
Emotional journey of a woman portrayed in household draws applause at Tamil Isai Vizha in Madurai
Midnight mass marks the start of Christmas festivities in Madurai
Vocalist enthrals rasikas with Bharatis songs at Tamil Isai Sangam music festival in Madurai
SC sets aside perverse bail for man who allegedly killed witness
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has set aside an order of the Madras High Court granting bail to a man who was accused of murdering a key eyewitness in an attempt-to-murder case when he was out on bail. After the alleged murder, the trial court had cancelled his bail, but the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had overruled the trial court order, and had restored the bail of the accused. The appeal was filed in the Supreme Court this year against that HC order. Noting that the bail order of the HC was vitiated by perversity, arbitrariness and non-application of mind, a two-judge bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan recently said that the Madras HC had granted bail to the main accused, Gopalakrishnan, and others in the attempt to murder case without considering the fact that the main suspect was also accused of murdering a key eyewitness while he was out on bail. The apex court bench then directed the accused to surrender within two weeks before the trial court. The appellant, Lakshmanan, had been assaulted along with his friend Suresh on February 24, 2020, allegedly by a group led by the first accused, Gopalakrishnan. The attack, which included caste-based abuses, was registered under various sections of the IPC including 307 (attempt to murder) and Section 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST (POA) Act. The accused were granted bail by the trial court in September 2020. While the trial was pending, the accused allegedly murdered Suresh on December 18, 2022. Consequently, a new FIR (Crime No. 202 of 2022) was registered under Section 302 IPC. Citing this grave turn of events, the HC had initially cancelled the earlier bail on March 31, 2023. However, in April 2025, the same HC bench re-granted bail in connection with the earlier case (Crime No. 39/2020) without accounting for this development, leading to the present challenge before the SC. The main thrust of the appellants argument was that the liberty of the accused had already been misused, and their release posed an existential threat to the fairness of the trial and safety of remaining witnesses. It was also argued that the HC erred in mechanically clubbing two distinct cases for a joint trial without legal basis. The respondents/accused are directed to surrender before the jurisdictional trial court within a period of two weeks from today. In the event of their failure to do so, the trial court shall take appropriate steps in accordance with law to secure their custody, the SC said.
The Rise Ezhumin to organise 4-day conference in Madurai; MoUs worth 2,000 crore to be signed
CITU-led workers protest against four labour codes, block road in Madurai
Terming the four labour codes dictatorial, the protesters said the laws snatched away the rights earned through the blood and the sweat of generations of workers
Deputy Election Commissioner chairs zonal-level SIR review meeting in Madurai
National and State election authorities oversaw the SIR works at the meeting in which Collectors of 10 southern districts participated
Madhushree renders all Tamil songs at Tamil Isai Sangam festival in Madurai
CM opens two new police stations in Madurai city
Training of bulls begins weeks ahead of Jallikattu in Madurai
The focus is on regular care rather than intensive conditioning; the most important aspect is feeding the bulls at the right time in the right quantity, says Alagu Murugan
9,865 candidates appear for written test for recruitment of SI held in Madurai district
Around 1,200 to 1,500 patients come from abroad every year to get eye treatment at the Aravind Eye Hospitals for complex pathologies like congenital glaucoma, corneal disorders and complex retinal disorders
Stellar play draws applause at Tamil Isai festival in Madurai
Railways to increase speed of express trains on Tiruchi-Madurai section
Work on Complete Track Renewal and installation of thick web switch sets under way; plans are also afoot to provide safety fencing on either side adjoining the tracks
HC judge quotes Prophet Muhammad, directs Madurai corpn to pay lawyers fee
Madurai: Quoting a famous saying of Prophet Muhammad on prompt and fair payment upon completion of work, Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madras High Court has directed the Madurai corporation to settle the long-pending professional fee claimed by its former lawyer. Judge Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court censured the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Seminar on development projects held in Madurai
3.80 lakh voters removed from voter list of Madurai district after Special Intensive Revision
Madurais nightlife is no longer confined to late-night parotta-salna and kari dosa binges. There are DJ nights with open dance floors, themed-dinners and more. Heres a lowdown on happening events to round off the year
Sekkipatti: where Muslims receive temple honours and Hindus worship, make offerings at adargah
Sekkipatti, a village in Melur taluk in Madurai, is a primarily agrarian village that serves as one of the best examples of religious harmony between Hindus and Muslims that can be seen in southern Tamil Nadu. In the village, there is no discrimination between the two communities, and a traditional familial kinship has existed throughout the years
Minister visits fire-ravaged LIC office in Madurai
Man ends life inside police outpost in Madurai
Man Immolates Self In Tamil Nadu, Cops Suspect Link To Deepam Row
A 40-year-old man died after setting himself on fire in Madurai this evening in an incident the police suspect is suicide linked to the ongoing controversy over the lighting of a deepam on a pillar at the Thiruparankundram hilltop.
Man Dies By Suicide In Madurai, BJP's Annamalai Says He Was Anguished By Deepam Row
In a tragic incident, a man in Tamil Nadu's Madurai died by suicide on Thursday. BJP leader K Annamalai alleged that the victim was anguished over deepam row.
Collector pitches Madurai as MSME hub at Connect 2025 expo
He said the MSMEs were central to inclusive growth, providing employment to about 11 crore people, contributing nearly 30% to GDP and over 40% of exports, and generating a substantial number of jobs for women in rural and semiurban areas
Watch: Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam Row: A Legal History | Focus Tamil Nadu
Public debate in Tamil Nadu has intensified over the Karthigai Deepam lighting at the historic Thirupparankundram Hills in Madurai. With the matter still unresolved, heres a look at the history and legal background of this long-running dispute.
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva Demands Centre Should Publish Keezhadi Excavation Report At Earliest
Archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna's team discovered 7,500 artifacts within two years from the excavation site in Sivaganga district near Madurai
DMK MP demands Centre publish Keezhadi excavation report at earliest
NEW DELHI: DMK MP Tiruchi Siva on Thursday demanded that the Centre immediately publish the Archaeological Survey of India's report on the Keezhadi excavations , saying the delay amounts to denying the opportunity to the Tamil people to understand their rich culture and heritage. Raising the matter during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Siva said the excavation site in Sivaganga district near Madurai was identified by the ASI in 2013-14, and under archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna's leadership, the team discovered 7,500 artifacts within two years. However, after Amarnath was transferred in 2016, he process came to a standstill, Siva said. In 2017, following Madras High Court directions, the State Archaeological Department took over and found an additional 15,000 artifacts, including utensils with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions which dated back to the 5th century BCE. When Amarnath returned as superintendent of ASI's Chennai Circle in 2021, he submitted a 988-page report after two years of work, with findings carbon-tested at Beta Lab in Florida, Siva said. Despite the Union government's counsel assuring the Madras High Court in 2023 that the report would be published by November 2024, it remains unpublished. It is December 2025. So far, it has not been done. Why the delay? Siva asked, adding that the Tamil Nadu government already runs a museum where 3,000-4,000 visitors come daily, rising to 5,000-6,000 on weekends. The MP urged the government to publish the excavation report alongside details of experts consulted and the review process o boost scientific transparency and to ensure cultural truths are not suppressed. He emphasized that while the excavation is from Tamil Nadu, it reflects on Indian culture. Committed to releasing Keezhadi findings, but ASI officer report lacks details: Union Min Shekhawat
Woman officer charred to death in fire at LIC office in Madurai
Deputy Mayor T. Nagarajan, who rushed to the accident spot, said an electrical short-circuit could have caused the fire
