Periyakulam Sub-Collector fines quarry owners Rs 138.04 cr for violating mining norms

THENI: Periyakulam Sub-Collector Rajat Beeton has imposed a fine of Rs 138.04 crore on 58 quarry owners for violating mining norms. The quarry owners have been directed to remit the penalty within 30 days from the issuance of the notice. Periyakulam taluk, comprising Theni, Andipatti, and Periyakulam regions, has 17 quarries operating on poramboke land and 22 on patta land. An investigation revealed that these 39 quarries, although holding valid permissions for mining minerals and gravel, were engaged in illegal activities, including the extraction of precious metals without adhering to prescribed procedures. According to reports, 326 cubic metres of minerals, 16,15,123 cubic metres of gravel, 17,59,185 cubic metres of rough soil, and 326 cubic metres of earth soil were mined in excess of legal limits. An official from the revenue department disclosed that the issue first came to light in 2020 when Pethuraman filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. The PIL alleged rampant illegal mining in Theni district. Acting on the courts directions, the district administration initiated a detailed investigation. Anna University was tasked with conducting drone surveys, which provided substantial evidence of the irregularities. The findings were subsequently submitted to the Theni district collector. Based on Anna University's report, Sub-Collector Rajat Beeton, along with revenue officials, conducted inspections at the quarries in Periyakulam taluk. Following this, a penalty of Rs 138.04 crore was imposed on 39 quarries operated by 58 quarry owners. The penalty amount comprises Rs 92.56 crore for the cost of minerals, Rs 15.11 crore as seigniorage fees, and Rs 30.23 crore as a fine. The quarry owners have been instructed to comply with the notice and pay the penalty within the stipulated 30-day period

Illegal godown busted, 14.4 tonnes of urea and 2.4 tonnes of beedi leaves seized near Kurukusalai in TN

THOOTHUKUDI: The Kulathur police busted an illegal godown at Thalavaipuram near Kurukusalai on Tuesday and seized 14,400 kg of urea and 2,400 kg of beedi leaves. Nine persons have been arrested in connection with the seizure and search is on for five more. Sources said the police personnel were conducting a road check when a vehicle with a gunny bag stitching machine came their way. Upon questioning, the men in the vehicle gave contradictory answers. Growing suspicious over their response, the police interrogated them further and received information about the godown at Thalavaipuram. The men led the police to the facility, where they had amassed urea and beedi leaves illegally. Agriculture officials were brought in to examine the stock. The officials identified the fertiliser as the urea commodity, which is provided by the government to farmers at a subsidised rate. Further inquiries revealed that the suspects had purchased 14,400 kg of subsidised urea from 'Tamilnadu ura kadai', a private fertiliser shop at Sholavandan near Madurai. They had unpacked the urea from the government-provided yellow sacks and filled them into white bags for trading them to industries at a higher price. Ottapidaram Agriculture Officer Sivagami, who is also a fertiliser inspector, lodged a formal complaint in this regard with the Kulathur police. The cost of each urea bag weighing 45 kg is `1,599.90. However, the government supplies it to farmers at a subsidised cost of `266.50 per bag. The godown had no authorisation to stock fertilisers, she said in the complaint. During the inspection, the police also found 60 kg of beedi leaves stored in 50 bundles. They were allegedly meant to be smuggled to Sri Lanka via the sea route. As per the FIR registered at Kulathur station, the police seized 110 yellow bags of urea containing 45 kg each, and 189 white bags each containing 50 kg urea, valued at total `5 lakh. The estimated worth of the 2,400 kg of beedi leaves seized was `20 lakh, the FIR read. The police have booked 14 persons under section 132 and 351(3) of BNS and sections 12, 19(c)(i), 19(c)(ii) and 19(c)(iii) of the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985, and sections 3 and 7(1)(a)(ii) of Essential Commodities Act, 1955. S Syed Ali and eight others have been arrested and the vehicles used for the crime have been confiscated. The agriculture department had also mooted an investigation into the shop in Sholavandan, from where the subsidised urea was purchased using fake details of farmers. 1,540 kg beedi leaves seized at Kulasekarapattinam beach The Thoothukudi Q branch sleuths seized as many as 1,540 kg of beedi leaves at Kulasekarapattinam beach and arrested a truck driver in the wee hours on Wednesday. Sources said that the sleuths intercepted a speeding cargo truck and found several bundles of beedi leaves inside. The driver, Prakash of Manaparai, has been detained for further investigation, said sources.

NHAI floats tender to expand Paramakudi-Ramnad NH to four-lane

RAMANATHAPURAM: The long pending demand of expanding the existing two-lane road from Paramakudi to Ramanathapuram to a four-lane has been approved by the NHAI. The highways department floated tenders as two packages for expanding the road at a cost of over Rs 700 crore and Rs 800 crore respectively. Trade experts opined that the project would develop the movement of logistics throughout the district. Sources said thousands of tourists and logistics ply through the Madurai-Ramanathapuram national highway daily. Though the road is four-lane from Madurai to Paramakudi, the section after Paramakudi is two-lane. Considering the number of vehicles, the particular two-lane road witnesses frequent accidents and periodic traffic snarls. Conversion of the section of NH into a four-lane road has been one of the major demands of various stakeholders in Ramanathapuram. Accordingly, the NHAI initiated special projects to expand the existing two-lane road from Paramakudi to Ramanathapuram to be expanded into four-lane roads. The project is to be carried out in two packages at a total estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore. According to the tender floated by the NHAI, under package-I to the length of 24.14 km from Paramakudi to Ramanathapuram on NH-87, the expansion to four-lane will happen on hybrid annuity mode at a cost of Rs 743.44 crore. Under package-II, expansion to four-lane from Paramakudi to Ramanathapuram section of NH-87 for a length of 22.525 km on hybrid annuity mode will happen at a cost of Rs 816.01 crore. President of Ramanathapuram District Chamber of Commerce and Industry A Asmabag Anwardeen said that announcements were made a year back for widening the road into a four-lane. However, implementation of the work is being done now. He requested the concerned department to expedite the work without affecting traffic movement on the present road. Expansion of the road will not only prevent traffic snarls and accidents but also improve freight movement from Ramanathapuram. Logistics remain a major hurdle in Ramanathapuram, which affects industrial growth, he added.

Madras HC initiates suo motu contempt proceedings against highways divisional engineer

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday, initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against the divisional engineer (highways) construction and maintenance, Madurai for failing to obey an order passed by the court last week. In the said order, dated November 15, 2024, a bench comprising Justices MS Ramesh and AD Maria Clete directed him to appear before the court along with relevant documents in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition that complained about poor road safety measures in the Fatima College to Samayanallur stretch on the Madurai-Dindigul highway. The petitioner in the previous hearing had claimed that frequent accidents were occurring in the aforesaid road stretch owing to indiscriminate construction of huge medians, lack of proper signs, warning lights, reflectors and poor road lighting. The judges summoned the divisional engineer (highways) and the Samayanallur deputy superintendent of police (DSP) to be present before the court along with relevant files, to find a solution to the problem. However, only the DSP appeared before the court while the divisional engineer sent the assistant divisional engineer of the department in his stead. Perusing a report submitted by the DSP, the judges noted that a total of 399 accidents have occurred here, which is an alarming number, from 2018 to October 2024, including 104 fatal accidents, in the Samayanallur police station limits. Though the government counsel said that the divisional engineer was unable to attend the hearing owing to a meeting in Chennai, the judges said they were disappointed with the reason assigned by the officer, particularly when accidents have been occurring in the said stretch of the highway daily and precious lives are lost. The judges initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against the officer and directed him to appear before the court on November 21 to show cause why the court should not punish him for wilful disobedience of its order. They further added a few other officials, including the Madurai corporation commissioner, as parties to the case to explore and find a solution to the petition-mentioned issue.

Madras HC orders action against encroachers of Karur temple lands

MADURAI: Noting that encroachments on nearly 540 acres of land belonging to the Balasubramaniya Swamy Temple in Karur have not been cleared by the HR and CE department despite a court order issued five years ago, allegedly due to threats from influential persons, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed the authorities to provide details of serving or retired government officials, industrialists, and other influential individuals among the encroachers. A bench comprising Justices P Velmurugan and B Pugalendhi issued the directive while hearing a contempt petition over the non-compliance with the courts order dated October 23, 2019. During the previous hearing, the court had issued statutory notices to officials who had failed to implement the order. The officials claimed that many encroachers were powerful individuals, including serving and retired government officers, and they faced difficulties in restoring the lands. They also cited a lack of cooperation from the district administration and police. Additionally, the executive officer of the temple and the joint commissioner of Tirupathur reported receiving threats from some of the encroachers. This court will not permit the hanging of Damocles sword over the officers or officials of the HR and CE Department in implementing this courts orders. If any officer or official is unable to diligently discharge their duty due to apprehensions of danger, it would indicate lawlessness in the state, the judges observed. The court ordered police protection for the executive officer and joint commissioner and directed them to submit a list of influential encroachers along with the extent of land encroached. The judges warned that if the HR and CE officials faced any danger while implementing the order, the Karur Superintendent of Police would be held responsible. The court granted two months to complete the restoration of the temple lands.

Madurai airport expansion: Stay on eviction in village

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday ordered an interim injunction restraining the state government from evicting the residents of Chinna Udaippu village, whose land had been acquired for the Madurai airport expansion project. Justice N Mala passed the interim order in a joint petition filed by 258 residents of the village, seeking direction not to evict them without providing proper rehabilitation and resettlement as per the Tamil Nadu Land Acquisition Laws (Revival of Operation, Amendment and Validation) Act, 2019, also known as Revival Act 38 of 2019. According to their petition, nearly 350 families belonging to Scheduled Caste were living in Chinna Udaippu village since time immemorial. The state government announced its proposal to acquire their lands for the airport expansion initially in 2009 and the lands were acquired in a phased manner from 2018 onwards by paying a meagre amount, which was very low compared to the market value of the properties. Though the entire process was completed by 2023, nearly 30 residents have not been paid any compensation and almost not a single villager has been provided any alternate house or land or any form of rehabilitation, the petitioners alleged. They further pointed out that the lands were acquired under Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997. Since the said Act and two other State Acts became repugnant following the enactment of Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, the state government had passed the Revival Act 38 of 2019 to revive the operation of the three State Acts, they added. In view of this, continuing with the acquisition proceedings initiated under the 1997 Act is illegal, the petitioners alleged and requested the court to direct the authorities not to evict them without undertaking rehabilitation and resettlement measures as per the Revival Act.

PSTM scam: DVAC gets two months to wrap up probe

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court recently granted DVAC an additional two months to complete its investigation into the issuance of fake PSTM certificates by various universities to candidates for securing Group I posts in Tamil Nadu. A bench comprising justices P Velmurugan and B Pugalendhi granted the time while hearing a contempt petition filed by G Sakthi Rao of Madurai over TNPSCs non-compliance of a judgment that only candidates who studied their entire education in Tamil medium should get PSTM reservation. The judgment dated March 22, 2021, was passed in a petition filed by Rao alleging irregularities in appointments made by TNPSC under PSTM reservation in Group I posts. In the judgment, the court had noted that the majority of candidates who were appointed under PSTM category had studied in English medium and later obtained degrees in Tamil medium through distance education just to avail the PSTM reservation. Since DVAC was probing fake certificate scam in MKU, the court had instructed the Director of DVAC to constitute a special team headed by a DSP-level officer to probe into the problem of fake certificates, including PSTM certificates, issued by MKU and other universities and file periodical status reports. Fake PSTM certificates: Madras HC permits DVAC to search varsities if documents are denied However, even after three years, the DVAC is yet to complete its investigation citing non-cooperation from the universities. Following the courts warning in June, all universities except Annamalai University, Chidambaram, extended their cooperation, based on which DVAC submitted a report recently stating that out of 34 candidates who had secured Group I posts through PSTM quota, the credentials of 13 candidates have been found to be genuine. Four candidates from Madurai Kamaraj University were found to have obtained fake PSTM certificates. One candidate from Periyar university who studied under Tamil medium has joined service without obtaining PSTM certificate. The remaining 16 candidates from Annamalai University are yet to be investigated, DVAC claimed in its report. The matter was adjourned to the first week of January. 'Fake' PSTM certificates: Madras HC gives one month time to DVAC to file report

Minister meets Sathyamoorthy Nagar residents protesting for ST certificate

MADURAI: Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration P Moorthy on Wednesday met the residents of Sathyamoorthy Nagar near Paravai, who have been staging a protest seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for them. They claim to belong to the Kattunaicker community. The document was earlier denied to them based on a report from an anthropologist. Following a discussion with the minister, the residents decided to call off their protest till Saturday. Moorthy suggested that a new committee be constituted to inquire into the authenticity of their community claim. Speaking to TNIE, one of the protesters, P Perumal, said that they were not inclined to form a new inquiry committee. We urged the minister to provide us with ST certificates based on the G.O. that stated that if the parent has an ST certificate, the children are eligible for it. Our community people residing in Thoothukudi and Dindigul districts are able to secure this certificate easily. Only in our place, the official is creating a hurdle, he said. TNIE spoke with Amuthavalluvan, the anthropologist who had earlier submitted a report to the district administration about Kattunaicker communities residing in the Madurai district. The people who are seeking ST certificate (Kattunayakan) in Madurai District belong to the castes of Tottiyan/Kambalathar/Kudukuduppai Nayakkar which are classified under the Most Backward Class (MBC). This could be confirmed by the documented literature that has exemplified their 'intiperu', which is still in practice among the community people. Therefore, their claim of belonging to Kattunaicker community should not be encouraged, he said. In a recent letter sent by Nilgiri Kattunaicker Samuthya Sangam to District Collector MS Sangeetha, which has been accessed by TNIE, the association secretary K Chandran said, A few people in Madurai district who are claiming themselves as Kattunaickers, have no connection with us. Previously, their claims were entertained and ST certificates were provided. The authorities must recover these certificates. Speaking to TNIE, Chandran said that his group belongs to the 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)' Kattunaickers, still residing in the dense forests of Gudalur and Pandalur areas in Nilgiris district. He also added that they don't have any relatives in any other district in the state. For the past five years, our children have not been able to receive PVTG Kattunaicker ST certificates. We are thus denied welfare measures and reservation in all aspects. However, some groups with no connection to us are falsely claiming that they belong to our community. Many of them were also issued ST certificates. I had sent letters to the Collectors of districts concerned, including Kanniyakumari and Thiruvannamalai, urging them not to issue ST certificates (Kattunaicker) to those falsely claiming it. I had also written a letter to Chief Minister MK Stalin, and the Minister and Secretary for the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare department seeking action in this regard, Chandran further said.

Move for High Court bench at Kurnool gains momentum

Kurnool: Amid protests by advocates against the proposed shifting of legal bodies like Lokayukta and AP State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) from Kurnool to Amaravati, a letter from the law secretary of the state to registrar general of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, dated October 28, has gone viral on social media. The letter requests the registrar general to follow up with Government of India regarding the establishment of an AP High Court bench in Kurnool. The demand for such a bench in Kurnool stems from lack of proper conveyance between Kurnool and Amaravati. While the previous government temporarily appeased local sentiments by shifting some legal bodies from Vijayawada and Hyderabad to Kurnool, the larger demand for a High Court bench remained unaddressed. On November 14, the government's advocate informed the High Court on the planned relocation of institutions like Lokayukta and APSHRC to Amaravati. The announcement sparked widespread dissatisfaction, prompting local advocates to boycott court activities from November 19, despite industries minister T.G. Bharath's reassurances that no such proposals exist. Advocates countered, citing the government advocate's statement as the basis for their ongoing protests. The letter dated October 28 that has gone viral on social media states that as per the Chief Minister's assurance during the Praja Galam programme, action needs to be taken to establish a High Court bench at Kurnool. It points out that there are similar arrangements in other states, where high courts have benches in different locations to enhance accessibility to people. Their examples include Madras High Courts bench at Madurai, Bombay High Courts benches at Nagpur and Aurangabad, and the Guwahati High Court's multiple benches in north-eastern states. Rayalaseema, with a population of 1.59 crore, accounts for over 25 per cent of AP's population. The state government argues that absence of direct train services between Kurnool and Vijayawada and the significant share of High Court cases originating from the region justify the creation of a bench. The letter, signed by law secretary V. Sunitha, highlighted these points while underscoring the need for the Chief Justice of the High Court to approve the proposal and for the High Court to pursue the matter with the Government of India. The agitating advocates have welcomed the state government's move. But they have vowed to continue their agitation against the proposed relocation of legal institutions to Amaravati. Senior advocates Jayaraju and Balaram emphasised their commitment to the cause, stating that their movement will persist until the government officially announces its decision to establish the bench and ensure retention of the existing legal bodies in Kurnool. Jayaraju and Balaram questioned why the government had not released the letter earlier, especially when there has been a longstanding demand for establishment of the High Court bench in Kurnool.

HC restrains authorities from evicting villagers for Madurai airport expansion

The court ordered interim injunction while hearing a petition seeking alternative lands and houses for the villagers

Poor condition of Old Madurai Road poses hardship to motorists

SIPCOT floats tender for Rs 12.83 cr for developing Melur industrial park

MADURAI: The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) floated a tender for developing an industrial estate in Melur near Madurai at a cost of Rs 12.83 crore. Industrial experts opined that increasing subsidies for private industrial estates would improve industrial growth in Madurai. One of the long pending projects that was intended to bring industrial growth in Madurai, the SIPCOT floated tenders for Rs 12.83 crore for primary development of the area spread over 270 acres. Under the tender, SIPCOT plans to carry out works including the formation of internal roads, construction of RCC box culverts and RCC storm water drains, among other works. Experts from the industrial sector appreciated the development of the Melur industrial park and urged the government to expedite works and provide it for industrial development. While the development is receiving appreciation, experts opined that the state government must take measures towards developing the industrial sector in Madurai. MADITSSIA president A Kodeeswaran said, Development of industrial parks is appreciated which could not only bring industrial growth but also boost ancillary MSME manufacturing units in Madurai. Presently, there is no adequate space for industrial growth in the district and more parks need to be established here. Also, the government is providing the land in such parks for lease, which is disadvantageous for industrialists. He added that though industrialists are ready to establish private industrial parks, the state government only provides 50% subsidy for the formation, which could be increased to 90% subsidy for the formation of private industrial parks. Spending money on development and land would not be possible for MSMEs. Such formation of more private parks in the district would enable industries to utilise facilities. He demanded the state government to take measures towards addressing the long pending demand which could bring growth in the sector.

Ensure forensic laboratories give narcotic test reports on time: HC

MADURAI: Noting the delay in getting chemical analysis report from a forensic laboratory in a narcotics case , the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently directed the additional chief secretary of home department and the director of forensic science laboratory in Chennai to ensure that the state or regional forensic science laboratories in Tamil Nadu submit the chemical analysis report within the time frame laid down under Rule 14 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Seizure, Storage, Sampling and Disposal) Rules, 2022. Justice N Anand Venkatesh gave the direction while granting bail to one J Mani, who was arrested for allegedly selling 100g magic mushroom in August 2024. During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel alleged that the police have not even ascertained whether the substance seized was magic mushroom. In response to that, the additional public prosecutor contended that the seized goods were already produced before the lower court and have been forwarded to the laboratory for chemical analysis and a report is awaited. Hearing this, the judge noted that as per Rule 14, the chemical laboratory should submit a report to the jurisdictional magistrate within 15 days from the date of receipt of the sample. Referring to an order passed by the Kerala High Court in an identical case, the judge considered Mani's case as a test case, and issued similar directions. He further added that whenever there is such a delay, the person accused can request the lower court to direct the laboratory to expedite the process.

Madurai court sentences G. Sri Kalpana to life imprisonment for the murder of lawyer D.P. Kamaraj

MADURAI: The Madurai District Court on Tuesday sentenced G. Sri Kalpana to life imprisonment for the 2014 murder of D.P. Kamaraj, a lawyer and son-in-law of former Union Minister Dalit Ezhilmalai. Kalpana, who was the president of Puratchi Bharatham Katchi in Kolathur at the time, had hired Kamaraj to settle a dispute after purchasing 1,400 sq. ft. of land. However, the prosecution alleged that Kamaraj, after gaining possession of the land documents, intimidated and mistreated her while demanding large sums of money. On August 28, 2014, Kamaraj visited Kalpanas apartment around 12:30 p.m., instructing her to prepare the money, while his junior waited in the car outside. An hour later, Kalpana called for help, claiming Kamaraj had fallen unconscious. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. Initially, the police registered a case of suspicious death, which was later changed to murder following an inquest and autopsy. The police subsequently arrested Kalpana, her housemaids husband, R. Anandan, and his associate, S. Karthick. After a Supreme Court directive, the case was transferred from a lower court in Thiruvattar to the Madurai District Court in 2015. Principal Sessions Judge S. Sivakadatcham noted that Kalpana failed to explain how Kamaraj became unconscious in her home or how he sustained the 21 injuries recorded in the postmortem report. The judge found her guilty of murder, sentencing her to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of 5,000. However, Anandan and Karthick were acquitted due to lack of evidence of their presence at the crime scene.

IAS officer's wife who 'eloped' with a gangster returns home; what happens next is bone-chilling

Sources indicated that Surya may have sought refuge at her husband's home to evade arrest by Tamil Nadu police for her alleged role in the kidnapping of a 14-year-old boy in Madurai.

State government must not allow tungsten mining near Madurai: Anbumani

Christian bodies express discontent on Madras HC observation over governing Church properties

Christian bodies express discontent on Madras HC observation over governing Church properties Chennai: Several priests and members of the Christian community have expressed their discontent over an observation made by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court suggesting that church properties should be governed by a statutory body similar to the Waqf Board. Father [] The post Christian bodies express discontent on Madras HC observation over governing Church properties appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

8 Best Places To Explore Within 100 Kms Of Madurai - India.Com

8 Best Places To Explore Within 100 Kms Of Madurai India.Com

KSRTC enhances flexibility for Sabarimala pilgrims with extended ticket validity

KOCHI: Now, Sabarimala pilgrims returning after offering prayers at hill shrine need not worry about missing the KSRTC buses they have booked online owing to late arrival. In a novel initiative, the KSRTC has decided to extend the validity of online tickets from Pampa to various destinations to 24 hours after the departure of the specific service. This means pilgrims can catch another bus of the same category to the same destination if they miss the one they had booked. The Sabarimala hill shrine often witnesses heavy rush of devotees who often wait hours in queues for their turn to have darshan. Even when the temple was opened for monthly poojas last month, there was unprecedented rush, forcing the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to extend darshan timings. Pilgrims often book return tickets as well when they make the advance reservation. However, a lot of them miss the buses due to the heavy rush and queues. This was a regular complaint in previous seasons. Hence, we introduced the extended validity facility from this season, said a senior KSRTC official deployed at Pampa. However, in group bookings, if individual members are travelling in separate buses using this facility, they will have to produce their ID cards KSRTC will soon start interstate long-haul buses from Pampa when the rush increases as the season advances.A super-fast bus service has started operating from Guruvayur. The other long-haul buses, including interstate services, will be announced soon as and when there is heavy rush of pilgrims in another one or two weeks. Weve applied for permits to operate services to Chennai, Theni, Tirunelveli, Madurai and Kanyakumari, the official said. The KSRTC also aims to operate Pampa-Nilakkal (21 kms) chain services at a frequency of five buses per minute during peak hours. The per-head fare is Rs 80 for AC buses and Rs 50 for non-AC buses. 2.26 LAKH DEVOTEES OFFER DARSHAN AT SABARIMALA SABARIMALA: As many as 2.26 lakh devotees have visited the Sabarimala temple this Mandala-Makaravilakku season till 5 pm on Monday. Though the virtual queue slots for darshan were fully booked till November 30, with the average daily online booking capped at 70,000, the actual arrival of devotees showed a marked fall. Spot booking too showed similar decline. The Devaswom Board indicated that the slowdown was short-term and would increase after the pandranduvilakku the first 12 days of the 41-day season. BUS FIRE: HC SEEKS REPORT FROM KSRTC KOCHI: Kerala High Court on Monday asked the KSRTC to file a report on the incident in which a moving bus, which was not carrying devotees, caught fire and was gutted at Attathodu while it was on its way from Nilakkal to Pampa on Sunday. When the suo motu cases relating to the arrangements being made for Sabarimala pilgrims came up for hearing, KSRTC counsel submitted that the vehicle destroyed in the fire was registered in 2016 and its fitness certificate is valid up to 2028. The counsel said the corporation was conducting an inquiry into the cause of the accident. The forensic expert had examined the vehicle and the corporation would file a report in this regard.

After son falls from 1st floor of school, dad seeks action against school head in Madurai

MADURAI: After a class five student fell from the first floor of a school building, his father sought action against the head of the corporation higher secondary school in Palanganatham and alleged negligence on the teachers' part. Presently, the boy is in critical condition and undergoing treatment at the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH). K Kannan petitioned Collector MS Sangeetha, that his son K Akilan is studying in class five at the corporation higher secondary school in Palanganatham. On November 14, Akilan fell from the first floor of the school, which is an open terrace with no side walls and high walls of only 2 metres. Akhilan fell due to the teachers' negligence, his father claimed. Teachers allegedly took him to the hospital 45 minutes after the incident, he alleged. He further said that presently his son is in the ICU and in critical condition. He lodged a complaint against the school head on November 16 at the Subramaniyam police station. However, the police allegedly forced him to write a complaint in favour of the school head. He requested the collector to take action against the school head, provide necessary compensation to his family and extend good medical support for his son.

Counter sought on plea to prevent sewage discharge near Agni Theertham in Rameswaram

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday sought counter affidavit from the state government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking to prevent the mixing of sewage water near 'Agni Theertham' in Rameswaram. According to the petition filed by Elephant G Rajendran of Chennai, the Agni Theertham is located in the Bay of Bengal, abutting the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram. Thousands of devotees who visit the temple also take bath in the said holy water for spiritual solace, he said. However, the roads and 'padithurai' leading to the Agni Theertham are in a pathetic state. The municipality officials also failed to maintain the town's sewage system, leading to sewage water getting discharged into the sea where the Agni Theertham is situated, he further said, and sought the above direction. When a bench comprising Justices MS Ramesh and AD Maria Clete heard the matter on Monday, the government counsel claimed that a treatment plant has been set up 500 metres from Agni Theertham, but the litigant disputed the same. Following this, the judges directed the authorities to file a counter affidavit and adjourned the case to November 23.

Madras HC orders interim injunction against converting park land into drainage pumping station

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday ordered an interim injunction against the construction of a drainage pumping station in the portion of a land earmarked for a park at VM Chathiram village in Palayamkottai of Tirunelveli district. A bench comprising Justices MS Ramesh and AD Maria Clete passed the interim order on a PIL petition filed by one M Paramanantham. According to his petition, a 68 cent land in his locality has been earmarked for the construction of a park. However, the Tirunelveli city municipal corporation has proposed to use a portion of the said land for setting up a drainage pumping station, he alleged. The petitioner cited that the Supreme Court has time and again held that an area earmarked for a park cannot be converted for any other purpose. Moreover, the decision is also against a circular issued by the director of municipal administration in November last year that 'Open Space Reservation' should be strictly maintained and proposals for reconversion of lands under the category should be avoided, he added. Hearing this, the judges issued notice to the director of municipal administration, Tirunelveli collector and corporation commissioner and ordered an interim injunction. The case was adjourned to December 2.

Online trading scam: Two more held for cheating man of Rs 96.57 lakh in Madurai

MADURAI: Two more persons were arrested by the district cyber wing police for allegedly cheating a man of Rs 96.57 lakh under the pretext of online trading in the international share market. Based on the complaint lodged by the victim in June 2024, the rural cyber crime police had registered an FIR and launched investigation. Subsequently, the police froze the bank accounts to which the victim transferred the cash to invest and seized Rs 38.28 lakh from the accounts. On November 12, the officers arrested six persons S Seeni Mohammed (30), A Mohammed Sabeer (26), A Riyaz (30), L Ibrahim (30), L Mohammed Azharudeen (25), residents of Tiruchy, and M Mohammed Mazruth (40) of Thanjavur and remanded them. Based on their confession, they further arrested S Abdul Rahman of Melur and A Sultan Abdul Kathar of Madurai on Saturday, and seized around Rs 3.25 lakh from them, sources said.

Contact with member does not indicate support to ISIS, says court; charges quashed

CHENNAI: The NIAs charge that a Madurai native was associating himself with the ISIS and supporting them through social media posts fell through before a trial court in Chennai with the judge ruling that mere contact with an ISIS operative would not indicate support towards the organisation. In the 93-page judgment, judge KH Elavazhagan said that there was no evidence to show that the accused was a supporter of the ISIS. The prosecution had produced the social media records of the alleged ISIS operative with whom the accused had been in touch with. But these were from 2013, which was well before the period for which the charges were framed against him, the judge said. The NIA special court on November 11 convicted a Madurai native Abdulla and awarded five years imprisonment for advocating and abetting unlawful activities under Section 13(1)(b) of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The conviction was based on the Facebook posts which were advocating, abetting and inciting. NIAs case was based on Facebook posts made by Abdulla in 2021 in support of ISIS. According to the agency, he had been in touch with an ISIS operative and wanted to get recruited into the terrorist organisation. The agency also said he was a member of Hizb-Ut-Tahrir (HUT) However, on November 11, he was acquitted of charges of being a member of and supporting a terrorist organisation (Section 38 and 39 of UAPA) and publishing statements that cause enmity between groups (IPC section 505). The judge also said that HUT was banned by the government in October 2024 and that the alleged crime had taken place prior to that, concluding that the prosecutions arguments were untenable. The judgment further stated that the messages and audio uploaded on Facebook did not attract charges under Section 505 of the IPC. The judge also found fault with the prosecution for not marking evidence in a proper manner; some records obtained from Facebook were inadmissible as the firm had not certified it.

T.N. govt should oppose Vedantas tungsten mining in Madurai to avoid another Thoothukudi Sterlite tragedy: activists

Why 2007 Karthi-starrer Paruthiveeran Is Remembered Even Today

Paruthiveeran, a landmark in Tamil cinema, was entirely filmed in and around Madurai.

Residents of Chinna Udappu village near Madurai stage protest against eviction

MADURAI: The residents of Chinna Udappu staged a protest on Sunday seeking alternative land and enhanced compensation, when the officials came to the village in the morning to evict them as part of airport extension works. According to sources, a total of 633.17 acres of land is required for the extension of Madurai airport, for which the land of 90 residents of the village are to be acquired. When the officials arrived at the village for eviction on Sunday, the residents staged a protest preventing the policemen and authorities from conducting the eviction drive. Speaking to TNIE, C Udaiyar (56), one of the residents, said that a majority of the villagers are Devendrakula Vellalars. Though we have received compensation from the government, the money is not as per the latest land price, he alleged. Another resident, Ramma (55) said that the officials had given false assurances to provide alternative places, but later forced us to leave the place without any prior notice. Even Sri Lanka refugees received better treatment than us in terms of benefits, she said. Further, R Vigneshkumar (27) demanded the authorities to provide them three cents of land in the city limits, and enhanced compensation with basic facilities, including school for children and a burial ground for the people. When contacted, a senior official from the district administration said the villagers have to approach the court for enhancement, and denied claims of giving assurance about providing alternative land.

Report sought on road accidents in Madurai's Samayanallur stretch

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently sought a report on the number of accidents that have taken place within the Samayanallur police station limit in Madurai from 2018 to 2024. A bench comprising Justices MS Ramesh and AD Maria Clete sought the report on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed by N Senthil Kumar last year. The petition highlighted various problems on the Madurai-Dindigul highway at the Fatima College-Samayanallur stretch, including poor road safety measures. The petitioner wanted a series of directions such as, removal of unnecessary gaps between medians, placing reflective sign boards at appropriate places, preventing miscreants from covering the boards with posters or defacing zebra crossings. He also wanted authorities to ensure the presence of speed breakers and lighting wherever needed. Further alleging that police officials were stopping vehicles invariably at many places causing traffic congestion, he sought a direction to prevent them from conducting vehicle checks at places other than the police check post at Mangayarkarasi College stop in the aforementioned stretch. The matter was adjourned to November 19.

Plea to remove encroachments in Kodaikanal referred to forest bench

MADURAI: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking direction to remove encroachments in the roads leading to Bryant Park within the Kodaikanal municipality, was transferred by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to the forest bench at the Madras High Court recently. According to litigant A Sadham Hussain of Nilakottai taluk in Dindigul, the tourism department changed the bus route in Kodaikanal by citing reasons such as solid waste management and eco-sensitive zones. It was also said that the decision would help reduce crowding and encroachments in tourist areas. However, no steps were taken to remove the encroachments despite requests from the public, Hussain alleged. Also, the earlier one-way route from BSNL Office to Coakers Walk via Observatory Road was commonly used by locals and tourists. Following the change in routes, the newly assigned road was steep, difficult to navigate and caused severe traffic congestion, he further claimed. The conversion of the Coakers Walk to Green Valley Road into a two-lane road also created heavy traffic jams, leading to a risk of tourists getting stuck in the forest area until night hours, Hussain added. He wanted a direction to the authorities to remove the encroachments in the Bryant Park roads and to restore original road routes in the municipality. A bench comprising Justices RMT Teekaa Raman and N Senthilkumar referred the matter to the forest bench.

Gym owner, relatives booked after woman sustains severe burns during steam bath in Madurai

MADURAI: The Madurai city police registered a case against a gym owner and three of his relatives on Sunday, after a gym-goer woman allegedly sustained severe burn injuries on her hands in an accident while taking a steam bath in the gym. The accused persons were identified as gym owner Gowtham and his wife, his brother Ashok and his wife Priya, residents of Madurai. According to the complaint, V Vinitha of Achampattu in Madurai, who suffers from health issues due to hormonal imbalance, joined the gym run by Gowtham on the Bypass Road in February this year, as per a doctor's recommendation. On March 19, she decided to take a steam bath, as recommended by the gym owner, to improve her health. Ahead of the steam bath, Vinitha was told to apply a certain liquid that was offered by Priya. After a few minutes into the bath, she was unable to tolerate the rising temperature, and attempted to escape, but fell unconscious sustaining burn injuries on her hands. She was rushed to a private hospital, where the doctors recommended amputating her fingers, read the complaint. It is learnt that Vinitha has so far undergone four operations and a plastic surgery. Based on her complaint, the SS Colony registered a case against the four accused persons, under sections 288, 296 (b), 125, 351 (2) of BNS. Further investigation is under way.

Chinna Udaippu residents protest against land acquisition process for Madurai airport expansion

Eight persons from Tiruchi, Madurai, Thanjavur accused of online trading fraud arrested

They had cheated a man from Madurai to the tune of 96.57 lakh since June 2024

Actress Kasthuri produced in court, lodged in jail

Chennai: Actress Kasthuri, who made a remark on the Telugu-speaking people of Tamil Nadu that stoked a controversy, was produced before a court here on Sunday, which remanded her to judicial custody.She was arrested from Hyderabad on November 16 by a Chennai police team after the Madras High Court Madurai bench days ago rejected her anticipatory bail petition. While the actress, soon after the row, withdrew her remarks and also apologised, complaints were filed, in the meanwhile, against her with police. A Chennai police team traced her to a film producer's house in Hyderabad and effected the arrest. She was brought to Chennai and produced before a magistrate court at Egmore here which remanded her to judicial custody till November 29. Later, she was lodged in the Puzhal central prison. Tamil nationalist, Naam Tamizhar Katchi chief Seeman wondered the necessity to arrest and imprison her even after she apologised. The crux of her recent allegation that triggered a row was that some Telugu speaking people, who had come to the state centuries ago to serve the then rulers, were now claiming to be Tamils. According to the actress, such people, who subscribe to a particular political ideology, though claim themselves to be Tamils despite their Telugu origin, do not consider Tamil Brahmins as Tamils. That was the reason why they chose the identity of 'Dravidian' and could not choose 'Tamil,' for their ideology. The actress levelled that allegation while speaking in support of Brahmins at a protest here on November 3. She sought to pick holes in the Aryan invasion theory and the claim that Tamil Brahmins were Aryans, a line often taken in Tamil Nadu by those who subscribe to the Dravidian ideology. The actress, following the controversy, asserted that she only referred to those who bat for the Dravidian ideology, who say that Tamils (Tamil Brahmins) are not Tamils. Also, she had repeatedly claimed that she did not make any derogatory comment against the Telugu speaking people.

Heavy police deployment in TNs Madurai after protest against airport expansion

Chennai, Nov 17: Heavy police deployment was made in Chinna Udaippa village in Tamil Nadus Madurai district where the local people are protesting against the airport expansion project. More than one thousand police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order situation in the area. Protesters are seeking three cents of [] The post Heavy police deployment in TNs Madurai after protest against airport expansion appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Tamil Nadu airport expansion: Madurai villagers protest land acquisition, over 1000 cops deployed

Over 1,000 police were deployed to Chinna Udaippa village in Tamil Nadu, India, as villagers protested against a land acquisition for Madurai airport expansion. Protesters demanded three cents of land and a house in exchange for their property. Despite receiving a new terminal in 2010 and operating some international flights, the airport still lacks international status.

Cancel GO which provides authority to RDO to issue ST certificate, says CPM leader K Balakrishnan

MADURAI: CPM State Secretary K Balakrishnan addressed the residents of Sathyamoorthy Nagar who claim themselves as Kattunaicker community, and are involved in continuous protest over 10 years for seeking ST certificates for their children, and condemned the officials who refused to issue them ST certificates. Government officials mainly aim to suppress the Kattunaicker community, that is why they are denying the ST certificate. They purposely deny the Kattunaicker residents to get reservations in all the way for availing professional courses and government jobs. ST people face a lot of procedures for obtaining certificates. It must be removed, he said. He urged the state government to cancel the Government Order which provides authority to the RDO to issue ST certificates, and instead appealed to give power to tahsildar to issue ST certificate. Both Sri Lankan, Indian Government need to find solutions for TN fishermen Inaugurating the 24th rural district conference at Thirumangalam on Saturday, Balakrishnan said, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in Sri Lanka won with a majority of seats including in areas with Tamil population. He believed the discrimination between Tamil and Sinhalese issues had come to an end. Both the Sri Lanka and Indian Government have to talk to each other and find solutions to fishermen issues continuing in the Lankan coastal borders.

Sankarapuram panchayat president yet to be given charge, despite court order

SIVAGANGA: Despite the passing of more than 20 days since a special court declared A Priyadharshini Iyaappan as the Sankarapuram panchayat president in October this year, she is yet to be given official charge. The local body election for the post of Sankarapuram panchayat president, reserved for women (general), was conducted by the state election commission in December 2020. When the votes were counted in January 2021, Congress candidate M Devi, wife of present Karaikudi MLA Mangudi, was declared the winner. However, Priyadarshini, one of the opposition candidates, challenged the result, claiming that the votes were not counted in two booths. Hence, the votes were recounted and Priyadarshini was declared winner by a margin of 63 votes and a winning certificate was issued, sources said. Challenging this, Devi filed a petition before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court where the order was passed in her favour. Based on this, she took charge. Challenging the high court order, Priyadarshini moved the Supreme Court but was told to approach the district court. The special court declared Priyadarshini as the winner in October 2024, and the order was confirmed by the high court. It has been more than 20 days since the special court order, but she is yet to be given charge, a source said, adding that a fresh petition was lodged with the district collector informing about the verdict and seeking quick administration of powers. Though TNIE attempted to contact District Collector Asha Ajith, she was not available for comments.

DMK delaying implementation of welfare schemes approved by AIADMK govt, says P Thangamani

MADURAI: The DMK government has been delaying the implementation of the people welfare schemes, which were approved by the previous government in Madurai district, said former AIADMK minister P Thangamani here on Saturday. Addressing a political rally, Thangamani said that lack of proper roads has been a major problem for the public in Madurai. After the rain, the situation has worsened, with wide cracks and potholes causing road accidents, particularly in Thiruparankundram. Despite repeated complaints, no action was taken by the local civic and district administrations, as the issue was raised by the AIADMK, he said. The former minister further said that stormwater and sewage drains must be desilted. One must remember that the UGD system was approved by the AIADMK government when in power. However, it was not implemented for political reasons. The new combined water scheme was approved (by the AIADMK government) for Madurai district, and around 70% of the works were completed. However, the DMK delayed the completion of the work for the past three-and-half years, he said. He further said that neither property tax nor water tax was increased during the AIADMK regime, unlike that of the DMK regime.

Actress Kasthuri Shankar arrested in Hyderabad for controversial remarks

Hyderabad: Actress Kasthuri Shankar was arrested by the Egmore police on Saturday, November 16 at a film producers residence in Hyderabad due to her controversial comments about the Telugu community. Following the rejection of her anticipatory bail by the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, which deemed her remarks unwarranted, police had been searching 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 .

Actress Kasthuri arrested by Chennai police in Hyderabad over alleged anti-Telugu remarks

CHENNAI: A special team of the Chennai Police arrested actress Kasthuri Shankar from a house in Hyderabad on Saturday evening. Police sources said that she had been evading arrest by taking refuge at a friend's house in Hyderabad. She will be brought to Chennai to be produced before the magistrate court, police said. Kasthuri, at a protest carried out by Brahmins in the city against alleged violence against the community on November 3, had made remarks that offended certain sections of the Telugu community. In her speech, Kasthuri said that a group of Telugu women had arrived in Tamil Nadu to serve kings as courtesans and concubines but had since taken up the Tamil identity and turned to bashing Brahmins. She later said that her statements were distorted by supporters of the DMK and that she had not intended to demean the Telugu community as a whole. Following her remarks and subsequent outrage on social media and other platforms, a series of complaints were lodged in police stations including by a member of the Naidu Mahajana Sangam State Executive Committee. Since Kasthuri could not be reached on her mobile phone and had been missing from her residence in Chennai, a special team set out to trace her in Andhra Pradesh. Kasthuri's anticipatory bail petition was dismissed by the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court earlier this week. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh had observed that the ability to speak freely should not be misused to spread hatred or cause communal disharmony.

Move HC against OPS brothers acquittal in priest suicide case: Kin

MADURAI: In the wake of the Dindigul special courts acquittal of O Raja, former CM O Panneerselvams brother, and five others in the abetment of suicide of a SC temple priest, the Executive Director of Evidence A Kathir and the priests family demanded the state to appeal in the high court against the acquittal. Talking to reporters on Friday, Kathir said priest S Nagamuthu of T Kallipatti, in a suicide note, had mentioned several people including Raja for taking the extreme step on December 7, 2012. Nagamuthu underwent discrimination and was threatened by Raja and his associates as he was from a SC community. The state government must challenge the acquittal order and file an appeal in the high court. The state should also provide `10 lakh as compensation and pension for the parents and a government job for the deceaseds sister Pandimurugu, said Kathir. (Those with suicidal thoughts can seek assistance from TN helpline 104 and Sneha suicide helpline 044-24640050)

Private hospital in TN, doctor fined Rs 3.5L over medical negligence in ankle surgery

VIRUDHUNAGAR: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Srivilliputhur imposed a fine of Rs 3.5 lakh on a doctor and a private hospital in Aruppukottai for operating the wrong ankle of a patient in 2021. President SJ Chakkkaravarthy and member M Muthulakshmi issued the verdict in a petition filed by S Kasivel, a resident of Chokkalingapuram, against doctor M Sampathkumar and his wife, the owner of a private hospital in Aruppukottai. In 2019, Kasivel consulted the doctor regarding the pain in his left leg's ankle and subsequent difficulties in walking, and he was given injections and tablets for the problem. As the pain did not subside, he visited another doctor in Madurai, and after an MRI scan at a multi-speciality hospital in Chennai, he was directed to undergo surgery. Kasivel then approached Sampathkumar for the surgery in November 2020. However, Sampath Kumar performed surgery on the right leg's ankle instead of the left. Observing the medical negligence and mistake made by the doctor, the commission pointed out that the surgery was performed without carrying out any required medical check-ups and scans. The panel directed the respondents to pay Rs 3 lakh to the petitioner for causing mental agony, physical health issues, and financial loss, and slapped Rs 5,000 as litigation expenses.

DMK, AIADMK interested in trading charges, not in peoples welfare, says court

CHENNAI: Justice P Velmurugan of Madras High Court on Friday commented that both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK are interested more in trading charges against each other and not seem to show interest in the welfare of the people of the state. He made the comments while hearing the petitions filed by former AIADMK minister Sellur K Raju, who prayed for quashing a pending defamation suit against him, and AIADMK MP and former minister CVe Shanmugam seeking a CBI probe into the attack and ransacking of the partys headquarters on July 11, 2022. The judge quashed the defamation suit against Raju pending in a local court in Madurai, finding no ground of defamatory contents against Chief Minister MK Stalin in the speech made by Raju while addressing a protest meeting in Madurai in 2023. However, the judge said both the Dravidian majors are levelling allegations against each other and do not seem to care for the welfare of the people. They are indulging in trading charges probably for their existence, he added. Meanwhile, Justice Velmurugan directed the CB-CID to expedite the probe into the attack and ransacking of the AIADMK headquarters allegedly perpetrated by supporters of former CM O Panneerselvam on July 11, 2022, hours before the crucial general council meeting. The judge also directed the investigating agency to file the final report without delay. Hearing another petition filed by Shanmugam praying for quashing a defamation suit filed for making derogatory comments against the chief minister while addressing a meeting at Kolianur in Villupuram in September 2023, the judge said Shanmugam, being a former minister and law graduate, shall maintain dignity and decorum when making comments in the public. Even though the opposition party has a legitimate right to criticise the ruling dispensation, caution and politeness have to be followed, the judge said, and adjourned the case to November 22.

Power of words, richness of storytelling

NEW DELHI: It was an evening to celebrate the power of words, the richness of storytelling and the enduring legacy of Shri Ramnath Goenka. With these words, Manoj Kumar Sonthalia, chairman and managing director of The New Indian Express Group (Madurai), inaugurated the Second Ramnath Goenka Sahithya Samman at a glittering gathering in New Delhi on Friday. The evening started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by chief guest Swami Swaroopananda along with Sonthalia, The New Indian Express Group (Madurai) Editorial Director Prabhu Chawla, CEO Lakshmi Menon and Editor Santwana Bhattacharya at the Leaders Lounge in Bharat Mandapam. Ruskin Bond receives Ramnath Goenka Sahithya Samman for Lifetime Achievement Sonthalia drew a memorable link between Fridays event and the first award instituted by the groups founder. He said it was a special moment to have Swami Swaroopananda, the global head of the Chinmaya Mission, as chief guest at the Second RNG Sahithya Samman especially because it was Swami Chinmayananda who, at Ramnath Goenkas request, had been the chief guest at the B D Goenka Excellence in Journalism awards way back in 1988. The Scent of Fallen Stars: A journey through time & love The guidance Chinmayananda had given then to be fearless and have respect for our country still informs the work of The New Indian Express Group (Madurai), Sonthalia said. The uplifting power of the written word, as emphasised by Ramnath Goenka and carried on as the Groups mission, was front and centre through the evening. The Sahithya Samman carries forward the ideals Goenka stood for truth, integrity and a commitment to empowering society through knowledge, Sonthalia emphasised. Vulnerabilities and superstition: Whats common among all PMs Calling the winning works of debut fiction and non-fiction as testaments to the resilience, complicity and beauty of human experience, Sonthalia reminded the guests, jury and awardees: Literature is not just a record of the times we live in, it is also a beacon lighting the way forward. These stories contribute to the larger narrative of our country and our collective identity, Sonthalia said. They will remain with us long after the final page has been turned.

Madras HC quashes sexual harassment case against man for refusing marriage proposal after hugging, kissing lover

MADURAI: Observing that it is natural for two teenage people in love to hug and kiss each other, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court recently quashed a sexual harassment case registered against a 20-year-old man for refusing the marriage proposal of his lover despite hugging and kissing her. Justice N Anand Venkatesh passed the order on a petition filed by the man seeking to quash an FIR registered against him by Thoothukudi police in 2022. The prosecutions case was that the petitioner and the complainant, who were then 20 and 19 years old respectively, had been in love since 2020. On November 13, 2022, at 9 pm, the petitioner had allegedly invited the complainant to a secluded spot. They were having a conversation till midnight, during which the petitioner had allegedly hugged and kissed the complainant. Following this, the complainant informed her parents about their relationship. She had also asked the petitioner to marry her. However, the petitioner is said to have refused her proposal and had started avoiding her. Due to this, she lodged a police complaint and an FIR was registered against the petitioner under Section 354-A 1) (i) of IPC. Justice Venkatesh noted that none appeared for the complainant despite the issuance of notice. He observed, To constitute an offence under Section 354-A (1) (i) of IPC, a man must commit physical contact and make advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures. Even if the allegations are taken as it is, it is quite natural for two people in their teenage, who are having a love affair, to hug or kiss each other. By no stretch, this can constitute an offence under Section 354-A (1)(i) of IPC. Thus, he concluded that no offence has been made out against the petitioner and the continuation of criminal proceedings against him would result in abuse of process of law. But, he noted that even though the court, in an earlier hearing, had directed the police not to file a final report in the case, the police had completed their investigation and filed a final report before the Srivaikundam judicial magistrate I and the same has been taken on file. Exercising the courts powers under Section 482 of CrPC, the judge quashed the criminal proceedings and allowed the petition.

Student suffers fracture on his leg as goalpost at school falls on him in Madurai

Aavin Madurai denies mismatch in procurement and supply data from farmers

MADURAI: In the wake of an allegation that Aavin (Madurai) was showing less procurement in their books, despite higher supply by dairy farmers, the latter denied the claims and said that the information was wrongly declared by the milk co-operative society (MPCS). TNIE published a detailed story on November 14, following which Aavin initiated a detailed inquiry. According to a press release, Aavin conducted an inquiry led by the team leader of the Tirumangalam milk procurement team. The report said that the quantity claimed by Vairamani, who was the former president of MS 2051 Vazhai Thoopu Milk Cooperative Society, was inaccurate and misleading. Upon examining the actual milk procurement of the society, it was found that it was transported along with milk from two other bulk milk coolers (BMC)-- Karuvattanai and Elumalai Alagiyanallur -- in Aavin's union tanker. When we compared the actual procurement quantity with the supplied quantity across all three BMCs, discrepancies were absorbed in the total and reported to each BMC. The quantity was reconciled after 456 litres were added to the Vazhaithoppu account for July and 390 litres for August, the release said. Aavin further maintained that they are taking every possible step to address the grievances of each society promptly and effectively.

Government doctors protest seeking safe workplace in Madurai, southern districts

MADURAI: Condemning the brutal assault on a medical oncologist at the Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital (KCSSH) in Chennai, hundreds of doctors boycotted out-patient treatment at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai on Thursday, and staged a protest in front of Madurai Medical College premises seeking safer work environments. While only 78% of the total number of doctors registered their attendance at GRH for the day, numerous others staged similar protests in Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar and Tirunelveli districts as well. Speaking to media persons, Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association district secretary Dr Ilaamaran said that the safety of doctors in the workplace has been completely compromised after the incident in Chennai. We seek action against the culprit in the case, and more police protection in hospital facilities, including the establishment of outposts in each government hospital. Apart from emergency and elective surgeries, all cases related to the outpatient department were boycotted up to 6 pm on Thursday. The next plan of action will be decided after the state executive committee meeting in Chennai, he said. While a top official from Dindigul Medical College Hospital claimed that no health services were affected by the boycott of doctors, a group of doctors were seen holding flex banners in front Dindigul Medical College Hospital and raised slogans against the attack on the oncologist. Besides, a large number of doctors assembled in front of Palani Government Hospital and raised slogans seeking action against the culprit, sources said. Further, over 100 doctors staged a protest in front of the Government Medical College Hospital in Theni, flagging the lack of safety for doctors in service. Also, 50 government doctors staged a protest in front of Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital in Virudhunagar, and similar protests were held in Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram.

Two-day safety inspection at Pamban bridge concludes

RAMANATHAPURAM: The commissioner of railway safety completed their two-day inspection of the Pamban railway sea bridge in Ramanathapuram on Thursday. Railway official sources said that the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Southern Circle, Bengaluru AM Chowdhary conducted the statutory inspection of the newly laid broad gauge line between Pamban and Mandapam stations and the newly constructed Pamban bridge. Divisional Railway Manager of Madurai division Sharad Srivastava said, The CRS has conducted an extensive inspection in the last two days. He inspected the vertical lift girder span, structure and other features of the broad gauge line. On Thursday, a trial was carried out on the Mandapam-Pamban line. The train achieved a speed of 90 km/hr on the section. The inspections have been completed, now the CRS has to assess the inspection reports, based on which the railway department will take further actions, he added. While speaking about the old bridge, DRM added that an expert team will be deputed to inspect the old bridge and ensure that it is stable for preservation as a heritage symbol. During the inspection, Chief Project Manager (Coordination) Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) B Kamalakar Reddy and Chief Administrative Officer, Construction (Chennai and Egmore) Sushil Kumar Maurya were present.

Anti-Telugu jibe: Madras HC denies anticipatory bail to actor Kasthuri

MADURAI: Observing that making derogatory statements in public platforms and then tendering an apology to escape the consequences cannot be tolerated, the Madurai Bench of the Madras HC dismissed the anticipatory bail petition filed by actor S Kasthuri in a case registered against her by Madurai Thirunagar police over her controversial remarks about Telugu people in Chennai last month. Justice N Anand Venkatesh, who passed the order, observed that though Kasthuris statement does not directly attribute anything against the womenfolk belonging to the Telugu community as alleged by the complainant, it has painted all Telugu-speaking people in a bad light. The petitioners speech clearly hovers around hate speech. In a diverse country like ours, there must be zero tolerance whenever such speech is made by demeaning or insulting a particular group of people based on their language, he said. Even in her apology post on social media, the petitioner has not made any genuine attempt and has only tried to justify her statement, he further observed.

Madras HC suggests BCI to frame guidelines for advocates in matrimonial cases

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently suggested the Bar Council of India (BCI) to frame guidelines for advocates to follow while resolving matrimonial disputes. A bench comprising Justices V Bhavani Subbaroyan and KK Ramakrishnan made the suggestion while dismissing an appeal filed by a woman to set aside an order passed by the Family Court in Madurai dissolving her marriage in 2021. The marriage between the woman and her husband was solemnised in 2009 and the couple had a daughter. However, they got estranged and lodged criminal complaints against each other. The woman alleged domestic violence and dowry harassment, and her husband claimed that her relatives murdered his father and injured him and his mother. While the husband later filed a divorce application before the Family Court, his wife filed an application seeking restitution of conjugal rights. The former was allowed and the latter was dismissed by the Family Court, challenging which the wife filed the appeal. Hearing the appeal, the judges noted that the above matrimonial dispute was aggravated by the false criminal complaints the couple made against each other, one of which had been drafted by an advocate. The judges criticised that the said advocate's action went not only beyond professional ethics, but also against the legitimately expected professional conduct from the advocate community to resolve the matrimonial dispute. The duty of the advocate in these types of matters is not to blow the incident out of proportion and thereby cause turbulence to the matrimonial life. The legal profession is for resolving the controversies between parties in the case of matrimonial dispute. The advocate should try to make the marriage and not to break it, the judges observed. Holding that the woman's offer to reunite with her husband does not seem genuine, the judges upheld the lower court's order, after recording the man's willingness to bear the educational and monthly expenses of their daughter. To avoid a repeat of such incidents involving advocates, the judges suggested BCI to frame some guidelines for advocates to follow while handling matrimonial cases. A point that was repeatedly stressed by the judges in their suggestions is that advocates should never advise their clients to rope in unconnected family members as accused in criminal complaints and should try to encourage the parties to settle the issue amicably. If any advocate does anything unprofessional and unethical while drafting complaints or filing cases and if it comes to the notice of the Bar Council, severe action should be taken, they warned.

Tiruchy corporation ramps up efforts to achieve Rs 64-crore rent collection target

TIRUCHY: The city corporation is ramping up efforts to recover pending rent dues from commercial establishments in Gandhi Market, Srirangam, WB Road, and the Central Bus Stand areas, which officials say has been a challenging task. So far, the corporation has collected about Rs 47 crore out of the Rs 64.24 crore target for the fiscal year. Mayor Mu Anbalagan said efforts are ongoing to collect the pending dues at the earliest. Senior officials estimate that around Rs 5.24 crore in rent arrears could be collected in the coming weeks. We aim to complete the collection of Rs 5.24 crore by January. Around Rs 12 crore remains tied up in legal disputes, with cases filed by traders pending in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. We hope these issues will be resolved in January, enabling us to wrap up collections before the next financial year, a senior official said. Corporation sources confirmed that notices were sent to 20 traders last month, with follow-up action planned for those who continue to default. We expect them to clear their dues next week. If they fail, we will seal their shops and release the materials only upon payment within a stipulated time frame. Otherwise, the materials will be auctioned, and the shop re-allocated through a bidding process, a source added. The corporation has already invested in constructing shopping complexes in Thillai Nagar and Marakkadai to strengthen its revenue. If merchants fail to pay on time, strict action, such as suspending licenses, should be considered, said GK Venugopal, a trader near Gandhi Market.

Up To 'Speed': Train Runs At 90 Kmph On Pamban-Mandapam Broad-Gauge Line, 80 Kmph On New Bridge

AM Chowdhary, commissioner of railway safety, Southern Circle, Bengaluru, conducted the statutory inspection of the new line and the Pamban bridge under the Madurai division

Form guidelines to ensure lawyers resolve matrimonial disputes without adding fuel to the fire: Madurai Bench of HC

Foundation stone laid for Olympic academy at MGR stadium in Madurai

Why Madurais Coos And Paws Park Is Must-visit For Animal Lovers

For an entry fee of Rs 100, visitors receive bird feed to offer to the birds within the park.

Madurai Bench of Madras HC dismisses actor Kasthuris anticipatory bail petition

The court said the speech made by the petitioner clearly hovered around hate speech

Madurai Bench directs Union Home Secretary to consider refugees application for citizenship

R. Jegaprashanth informed the court that in the wake of the 1983 July riots in Sri Lanka, he and his mother Maheswary arrived in India by air on November 29, 1983

Madras High Court Orders Return of Bharat Mata Statue to BJP Office, Rebukes Authorities

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the return of a Bharat Mata (Mother India) statue to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Kottaipatti village, Virudhunagar district. The statue, which was removed on August 7, 2023, by local authorities, was deemed unlawfully seized. This ruling, delivered on November 13, came in response to the BJPs complaint regarding the removal. On August 7, a team led by Aruppukottai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Sivakumar and Tehsildar Baskaran forcibly entered the BJP office, citing that the statue had been installed without proper authorization. Authorities had been alerted to the statue by a complaint regarding its placement. In a video that circulated on social media, a police officer was seen scaling the wall of the BJP office to unlock the gate and allow officials to remove the statue. BJP state president Annamalai condemned the actions of the authorities, calling them unacceptable and blaming the ruling DMK government. He expressed his frustration, stating that the current government had stripped the people of Tamil Nadu of the right to install a Bharat Mata statue, even on private property. The Madras High Court, responding to a petition by Virudhunagar BJP District President G. Pandurangan, directed that the statue be returned to the BJP office and that authorities refrain from interfering with the partys right to install such a statue on its private property. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, while delivering the ruling, emphasized that while statues may require state approval for installation on public land, this does not apply to private property. He said, No legislature or executive should assume any authority to interfere with the private affairs of a citizen or association. He added that such interference is constitutionally forbidden. The court also criticized the actions of the Virudhunagar district authorities as high-handed and likely influenced by external pressure. Justice Venkatesh further stressed that this behavior was unacceptable in a state governed by the rule of law, emphasizing that it should never be repeated. The court noted that the installation of a Bharat Mata statue on private property is akin to creating a personal shrine, symbolizing hope, unity, and respect for the motherland. It pointed out that such statues represent ideals of freedom, resilience, and cultural identity, fostering reflection on these core values. While the BJP argued that the statue was installed to symbolize national unity, the Tamil Nadu authorities defended their actions by referencing state guidelines from 2022, which restrict the installation of new statues and mandate government approval for such installations. These guidelines also suggest the relocation of statues that could cause unrest. However, Justice Venkatesh rejected the DMK government's interpretation, stating that expressing patriotism and love for ones country does not threaten state or community interests. He affirmed that the installation of a Bharat Mata statue on private property is a personal and symbolic expression of reverence for the nation. The courts ruling upholds the right to install the statue on private property, recognizing it as an act of love and pride for the motherland, and a reminder of the sacrifices made for Indias independence. Hoax Bomb Threat to School? Now Tiruchi Institutions Shut Down Amid Safety Concerns Heavy Rain Predicted for Chennai and Tamil Nadu: IMD Issues Alerts Across Districts

Heavy Rainfall Forecast in Tamil Nadu: IMD Issues Alert for Chennai and Other Districts

Tamil Nadu, including its capital Chennai, has been witnessing continuous heavy rainfall in recent days, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain for Thursday and Friday. The Regional Meteorological Centre predicts that while Chennai will experience moderate rain through Thursday, some areas may face heavy downpours. Will Schools in Chennai Be Closed? Despite the ongoing rains and weather warnings, schools in Chennai are set to remain open on Thursday, November 14. There are no holidays declared for schools and educational institutions in the city due to the weather. IMD's Rainfall Alert for Tamil Nadu The latest bulletin from the IMD indicates that 23 districts in Tamil Nadu, including Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Kallakuruchi, Tiruvannamalai, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Villupuram, Sivaganga, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Karaikal, are likely to experience heavy rainfall at isolated places on Thursday. In addition to Tamil Nadu, heavy rain is also expected in Kerala, Mahe, Puducherry, Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and southern Karnataka. Cause of the Heavy Rain The heavy rainfall is being caused by a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal. This system is moving closer to the Tamil Nadu coast, resulting in increased rain across the central and southern parts of the state. The rain is expected to continue until around November 16. Heavy Rain Predicted for Chennai and Tamil Nadu: IMD Issues Alerts Across Districts

Madras HC allows construction work at Sundaram Park in Madurai, modifies earlier order

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday partially modified an interim order passed by it, restraining the Madurai corporation from carrying out construction work at Sundaram Park in Madurai. The court permitted authorities to carry on with the other construction work, except the stalls. A bench of Justices MS Ramesh and AD Maria Clete modified the order while hearing a petition filed by the corporation, seeking to vacate the said interim order passed on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition against 40 food stalls proposed to be constructed on the park premises, situated on the bunds of the Vandiyur Tank in Madurai. According to the petitioner, the Vandiyur Beautification Project kicked off in July 2023, with a budget of Rs 50 crore. He stated that under the project, 40 food stalls were to be constructed inside the park, near the Vandiyur tank. He raised concerns that the setting up of food stalls would lead to littering and contamination of the tank. It was also alleged in the previous hearing that the authorities have not obtained any NOC from the water resources department for commercial construction. When the vacate stay petition was heard on Wednesday, the additional advocate general sought time to produce a NOC concerning the construction of shops. Recording this, the judges modified the order.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin laid foundation for 29 HR&CE projects worth Rs 190 crore

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin, on behalf of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, inaugurated 27 completed projects valued at Rs 42.75 crore and laid foundation stones for 29 new projects worth Rs 190.40 crore across Tamil Nadu, via video conference. During the event, Stalin inaugurated 25 completed projects, which were carried out to enhance the infrastructure facilities at 15 temples across the state, including Rs 4.35 crore-worth renovated road to Marudhamalai Murugan temple in Coimbatore, new halls for Mariyamman temple at Samayapuram in Tiruchy at the cost of Rs 4.63 crore, a new marriage hall at Sivaloganathar temple, Thirupungur in Mayiladuthurai district and Renugambal temple in Tiruvannamalai at the cost of Rs 3.2 crore and Rs 3.65 crore respectively, commercial complexes, parking lots and other facilities in various temple and zonal joint commissioners office at Nagapattinam and Salem. The foundation stones were also laid for 25 new projects in 18 temples, located in districts such as Madurai, Tiruvannamalai, Trichy, Nagapattinam, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Thiruvallur, Erode, Dindigul, and Chennai. Plans include constructing zonal offices in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, and Krishnagiri. Altogether, these projects are estimated to cost Rs 190.40 crore. Stalin also laid the foundation stone for a memorial of Sangam-era poet Avvaiyar in Thulasiyapattinam village near Vedaranyam in the district. The manimandapam is expected to cost about Rs 19 crore.

Cant regulate affairs in private space, Madras High Court tells TN govt

MADURAI: Holding that the constitution forbids the state and its officers from controlling or regulating the affairs in the private space of a citizen, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday ordered the state government to return the Bharat Mata statue, which was removed by the authorities from the BJP office premises in Virudhunagar district. Justice N Anand Venkatesh passed the order on a petition filed in 2023 by BJPs Virudhunagar East district president G Pandurangan, seeking directions to forbear the state authorities from interfering with the partys right to install the said statue at their office. The judge noted that the high court on several occasions had ruled that the state cannot prevent the erection of statues on private properties. These decisions appear to have little or no effect in permeating the obstinate side of the state and its officials. Nevertheless, the callousness of the state must not dampen the vigil of the court, he said. Citing various judgments passed by courts in India and abroad, the judge concluded that the authority of the state must end where the boundaries of private property start.

Disparity in milk procurement by Aavin, officials fudging numbers, alleges Madurai diary farmers

MADURAI: Dairy farmers from Madurai district have raised allegations against Aavin (Madurai) officials, claiming they are showing less procurement despite a higher volume of milk being supplied every day. They also flagged malpractices by the officials. Speaking to TNIE, M Vairamani, former president of the MS 2051 Vazhai Thoopu Milk Cooperative Society in Madurai, has accused Aavin of deliberately underreporting milk procurement and shortchanging them on payments. The society claims to have lost over Rs 2 lakh in the past six months due to this discrepancy. We have a 3,000-litre capacity bulk milk cooler and supply around 1,500 litres of milk to Aavin twice a day, said Vairamani. However, for the past six months, Aavin has been paying us for less milk than weve actually supplied. Weve found discrepancies of 30-40 litres per day. The society alleges that Aavin is manipulating procurement data, forcing them to compensate farmers from their own funds. They have stopped supplying milk for the past 10 days in protest, but Aavin has yet to respond. Aavin has ordered an inquiry into the issue and will be reviewing procurement details in collaboration with the dairy cooperative department of Madurai.

District cyber crime police nab 6 men for cheating Madurai man to tune of 96.5 lakh

Tamil Nadu cyber crime cops nab six who scammed Madurai man out of Rs 96.5 lakh

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu cyber crime police on Wednesday said they have arrested six accused in a case where a Madurai native was scammed of Rs 96.5 lakh after responding to a fake advertisement on WhatsApp promoting an international share-trading business opportunity. Preliminary inquiries indicated that these individuals were involved in cyber offences in multiple states including Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi and various regions in Tamil Nadu. An official statement said that the victim had transferred funds across multiple bank accounts and eventually realised that he had been deceived when the promised returns were not provided after which he lodged a complaint with the Madurai District Cyber Crime Police Station for legal action and recovery of the lost amount. A special team investigating the case initially froze Rs 38.28 lakh in various bank accounts linked to the suspects. Further investigations showed that Rs 22 lakh of the scammed money was transferred to two accounts of one S Seeni Mohamed from Alwar Thoppu, Thennur, Trichy. Further analysis revealed that he had withdrawn the cash via cheque from his bank accounts. The Cyber Crime Police have frozen his accounts and the special team arrested the accused. Cops found that under the direction of an individual named L Ibrahim from Uraiyur, Trichy and for a commission amount, A Mohamed Sabeer, A Mohamed Riyaz from Dhana Rathinam Nagar, Trichy, L Mohamed Azharudeen from Uraiyur, Trichy and Mohamed Marzuk from Ayyampettai, Thanjavur had executed the crime. Cops said that the accused withdrew the scammed cash and gave it to the persons who brought the code word received on their WhatsApp. This money was then transferred to other bank accounts with the accused receiving a commission of Rs 1,000 for every Rs 1 lakh transferred. The special team went to Trichy and Thanjavur and arrested the accused and seized cell phones, SIM cards, bank account books and ATM cards used in the crime. The investigation revealed that the suspects had utilized multiple bank accounts, laundering approximately Rs 1 crore from the public and transferring it to various accounts through this method.

Tamil writer and professor Raj Gauthaman passes away

TIRUNELVELI: Tamil writer and professor Raj Gauthaman passed away Wednesday early morning in Tirunelveli. Family members said that he died in his sleep around 4 am, following a period of deteriorating health. Born as S Pushparaj in 1950 in Puthupatti village in Virudhunagar district, he later changed his name to Raj Gauthaman. After completing his primary education in Puthupatti, he pursued higher studies in Madurai and graduated from St Xaviers College, Palayamkottai. He later obtained his postgraduate degree and began a teaching career as a Tamil professor at a Government Arts College in Puducherry, where he served till his retirement. Raj Gauthaman earned his doctoral degree with a thesis on novelist A Madhaviah and conducted extensive research in Marxist sociology. Known for his work as a cultural scholar, Raj Gauthaman authored several books on subjects including Dalit literature, postmodernism, and ancient Tamil literature. He also penned novels such as Siluvairaj Sarithiram, Siluvairaj in London, and Kaalasumai. In addition, he translated several significant works into Tamil, including Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species and Erich Fromm's The Sane Society and The Art of Loving. His wife, Parimalam, is also a writer, and their only daughter is a doctor based in London. His last rites will be held on Thursday morning at his residence in Palayamkottai, family sources said. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his condolences stating, I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Professor Raj Gauthaman, a prominent figure in Tamil literature and cultural studies. His research and writing on marginalized perspectives and translation have made substantial contributions to Tamil literature. His passing is a great loss for the Tamil community. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Professor Parimalam, his sister, writer Bama, his family, friends, and the Tamil intellectual community.

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

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

Madurai Bench reserves orders on actor Kasthuris anticipatory bail petition

Wheel of TNSTC bus gets stuck in pit in Madurai

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

Heavy rain likely in Chennai and delta districts till November 15

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

Dy CM Udhayanidhi Picks up EPSs Gauntlet

Chennai : Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin picked up the gauntlet thrown by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and said on Monday that he was prepared for a debate on the welfare schemes launched by the DMK and AIADMK in the State. Replying to media persons question on Palaniswamis challenge to Chief Minister M K Stalin for a debate on the welfare projects of both the governments, Udhayanidhi Stalin said that he was ready to debate on the welfare initiatives of both governments to ascertain who did more. Palaniswamis challenge on Sunday came as a response to Stalins attack at Virudhunagar that saw him questioning the commitment of the Leader of the Opposition for the welfare of the people. Speaking in Virudhunagar during his official tour, Stalin had launched a broadside against Palaniswami, accusing him of not doing anything for the uplift of the downtrodden but was only concerned about his personal benefits. He even said that Palaniswami became a chief minister by crawling. Hitting back, Palainswami said that Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, would not have come up in politics or in government but for their family background and that Stalin had no right to talk about him. He also asked Stalin if he was prepared for a debate on which of the two governments had come up with better welfare schemes for the people. It was to that challenge that Udhayanidhi Stalin responded while coming out of a meeting at the Nehru Indoor Stadium, where he distributed Champions Kit worth Rs 86 lakh to 2,600 sportspersons and women students of SDAT hostels across the state, including 600 students in Chennai. At the function held under the aegis of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), the Deputy Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the establishment of a district sports complex at a cost of Rs 15 crore in Ranipet and an Olympic Academy at a cost of Rs 6 crore in Madurai district sports complex through video conferencing. Palaniswami also urged the State government to entrust the responsibility of conducting the digitalized survey of agricultural land in the State, for which the Union Government would be spending Rs 1940 crore, to the revenue department officials by paying them an additional incentive or handing it over to a private company. In a statement on Monday, Palaniswami accused the State government of conducting the survey, whose data would be of use at times of drought and flood, with the help of Agriculture College students and wondered how much accuracy could be expected in such an exercise by inexperienced students. Neighbouring States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala had already completed 90 per cent of the survey and Tamil Nadu alone was lagging behind in it, he said.

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

Heavy rain likely for Chennai and other TN districts until Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cake-mixing ceremony ushers in the Christmas spirit in Madurai

Master of supernatural themes, Tamil writer Indira Soundararajan dies

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

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

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

Minister R Lalitha inaugurates textile marketing centre at Puthiyamputhur

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

Madras High Court quashes plaint against accused in exorbitant interest case

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Smoke Without Fire

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

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

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

DVAC raids Vilangudi Sub-Registrars office in Madurai; seizes 1.98 lakh

Preliminary inquiries revealed that the Sub-Registrar, named Veerakumar, was posted in Vilangudi about 18 months ago, and there were complaints against the official demanding bribes from several people

Minister garlands statue of Italian Tamil scholar Veeramma Munivar

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

Request to change address in ration cards refused

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