A delegation comprising Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch (DSMM) national VP and former MP Subhashini Ali, AIDWA national VP Vasuki, DSMM national VP Samuel Raj, TNUEF general secretary Sugandhi and others met the commission at its office in Egmore and submitted a set of recommendations.

The organisations sought a broad definition of caste honour crimes to cover physical, emotional, psychological, social and economic violence. They also wanted the right to choose a partner to be protected irrespective of caste, religion, gotra, community, class or economic status.

They called for specific offences to be included in the proposed law, including attempts to separate couples, threats, assault, abduction, murder, abetment of suicide, wrongful confinement, economic and social boycott, village ostracism, illegal fines, decisions of unlawful caste panchayats, public humiliation, destruction or seizure of property, eviction, sexual violence and offences under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. “Protection should extend to the couples’ parents, relatives, friends, witnesses and those assisting them,” they stated.

The organisations also stressed that caste-based honour crimes were often collective and socially sanctioned and should not be treated merely as offences committed by individuals. The proposed law should cover caste mobilisation, social pressure, illegal panchayats, threats, psychological violence, collective attacks, denial of civic rights and property damage.

They sought safe houses, confidential protection, a 24x7 crisis response mechanism and a system to prevent relatives from taking protected couples into custody without judicial authorisation. They also called for Zero FIR facilities, special police cells, designated investigation and protection officers, preventive measures and identification of areas vulnerable to caste violence.

Other recommendations included special courts and prosecutors, victim and witness protection, property attachment of offenders, enhanced compensation, medical and mental health support, and financial assistance for affected students.

The organisations also sought incentives for inter-caste and inter-religious marriages, including educational assistance, employment and skill-development opportunities, and preferential access to government schemes.

They urged the commission to recommend adequate budgetary allocation and a government policy declaration against caste discrimination and honour crimes.

The visit was designed by Thozhamai Trust to motivate students to see college education as an achievable goal and to help them develop aspirations for their future.

The programme brought 39 children from six villages in Chengalpattu, giving many of them an opportunity to experience a collegiate environment and learn about the educational opportunities available after completing school.

They visited college campuses, interacted with faculty members and students, and learned about various undergraduate courses, admission pathways, campus facilities and career opportunities. They were also introduced to the importance of continuing their education beyond school and the possibilities that a college degree can create.

A member of Thozhamai Trust said that such exposure was particularly important for children from tribal and socially disadvantaged communities, where limited access to information and role models can affect participation in higher education.

“The initiative sought to broaden their horizons, build confidence and encourage them to complete school and eventually enrol in colleges and pursue higher education,” added Prabhakaran, project coordinator, Thozhamai Trust.

Participating in the debate on the Revised Budget 2026-27 in the Assembly, Kamaraj recalled the measures taken by former AIADMK chief ministers J Jayalalithaa and Edappadi K Palaniswami to secure the State's share of Cauvery water.

"Jayalalithaa staged an 80-hour hunger strike in 1993. Palaniswami's MPs blocked Parliament for 22 days over the Cauvery issue, safeguarding our rights and ensuring the release of water from Karnataka," he said.

"I urge the present TVK government to immediately convene an all-party meeting and exert pressure on Karnataka and the Central government," Kamaraj said.

"There is no 'Aram' in the Budget as the government has not fulfilled its promises. There is no 'Porul' as the Budget lacks funds, and therefore, there is no 'Inbam' for the people," he said.

He also flagged the sharp rise in rice prices and urged the government to take steps to increase paddy production and contain the price rise.

Questioning the constitution of the Montek Singh Ahluwalia committee, Kamaraj sought clarity on its purpose. "Was the committee formed to say that the government can continue borrowing, or to identify an action plan to reduce the existing debt?" he asked.

Taking aim at the government's maiden budget, he said it lacked both vision and a clear action plan.

Kamaraj also urged the government to declare the Delta region drought-hit and provide Rs 25,000 per acre as relief to farmers.

The ANTF will be headed by a ADGP (Additional Director General of Police) rank officer, assisted by an Inspector General of Police (IGP) and three Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers and will comprise 65 Inspectors, 130 Sub Inspectors and 325 Police Personnel.

Additionally, a headquarters with 10 specialised divisions and 454 sanctioned posts will oversee intelligence gathering, cyber investigations, legal support, special operations, crime records, field intelligence, training, administration, information technology and a round-the-clock control room. The ANTF will focus on collecting intelligence on the movement of narcotics, conducting cyber-surveillance operations and financial investigations against criminals involved in drug related crimes among others, and also registering cases against them.

“The jurisdiction of ANTF police stations will be notified separately,” a GO noted. A dedicated cyber lab will be set up as part of ANTF, which shall strengthen intelligence-led policing, improve investigation quality, and enhance conviction rates, making it a critical investment in building a future-ready anti-narcotics enforcement system, the GO noted.

A 24×7 Control Room will manage information received through the toll-free number (10581), WhatsApp (9498410581) and Drug Free Tamil Nadu App, support emergency responses and operational deployments.

He administered a pledge on the occasion, focusing on personal responsibility, family protection, rehabilitation support, and state growth.

The pledge commits individuals to avoid drug use, guide others away from addiction, support rehabilitation efforts, and actively aid the government in eliminating illegal substances in Tamil Nadu.

A large number of people undertook e-pledge through the Drug-Free Tamil Nadu portal, an official said.

It may be noted that the state government had established a specialised Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) wing with district-level branches.

Also, the government had introduced "Drug-Free Tamil Nadu App" allowing both students and teachers to anonymously report illicit drug activities in the vicinity.

Youth volunteer groups have been trained to secure school environments and run localised peer-to-peer anti-drug campaigns.

The annual festival began at midnight, drawing more than 10,000 male devotees from surrounding villages, including Natham, Kuttupatti, Pathasirukudi, Kumarapatti, Pudur, Kuttur and Mambatti.

Tradition followed at Ponnar Shankar Swamy temple

As part of the tradition, devotees donated 101 goats as offerings to the deity. Following the midnight rituals, young men gathered to skin and clean the goats, after which the meat was cooked in large vessels as part of the community feast.

The festival is traditionally attended exclusively by men, who participate in the rituals and feast as part of their religious observance and to fulfil their vows.

Rice balls and mutton curry

After the customary rituals, rice balls were prepared and offered to Ponnar Shankar Swamy. In a unique practice associated with the temple, the lights inside the sanctum sanctorum were switched off following the offering.

The rice balls were then tossed upwards towards the sky as part of the unusual ritual.

Following the ceremony, the food prepared for the occasion was served to the participating devotees. Men who had gathered for the festival were served rice balls and mutton curry on banana leaves.

The annual gathering, marked by its distinctive rituals and community feast, continues to draw thousands of devotees from villages in and around Natham.

Water release from Karnataka fluctuates

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the southwest monsoon has intensified in Karnataka over the past few days, increasing inflows into several reservoirs in the Cauvery basin. As the reservoirs filled up, water was released from the Kabini dam into the Cauvery for Tamil Nadu from August 1.

The quantum of water released from Kabini has been increased or reduced depending on the inflow into the reservoir. At its peak, the release was increased to 27,000 cusecs. The Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam also released around 1,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.

However, rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas subsequently reduced, resulting in a fall in inflows into the reservoirs in Karnataka. Consequently, the amount of water released to Tamil Nadu was also gradually reduced.

Inflow rises at Mettur

Despite the reduction in releases, the water released from Karnataka continues to reach Hogenakkal in Tamil Nadu.

As per the latest readings on Tuesday morning, the inflow at Hogenakkal increased from 5,760 cusecs to 7,151 cusecs. Around 1,500 cusecs of water is currently being released from Mettur dam to meet drinking water requirements.

Initiating a discussion, Panneerselvam (who had joined the DMK before the Assembly polls) alleged that the TVK government had failed to honour its key electoral promises, particularly the enhanced monthly financial grant for women and the distribution of six free LPG cylinders annually.

"The public voted for a change, but they have been left greatly disappointed. These poll manifesto promises ought to have been announced as flagship schemes, but the government has failed to do so," Panneerselvam, formerly AIADMK leader, remarked, asserting that public sentiment had turned against the administration.

Refuting the charges, Leader of the House K A Sengottaiyan reminded that the government had a five-year mandate to fulfil its commitments.

The debate quickly turned personal as members traded barbs over changing political allegiances.

"As you yourself once noted, it is impossible to create history in just three months. If you managed to accomplish such a feat during your tenure, please enlighten us," Sengottaiyan countered. He added that it was strange to label the budget "a disappointment" when the general public was actively appreciating the government’s performance.

Taking a swipe at the Opposition party leader’s recent political realignment, Sengottaiyan remarked, "Just because you have shifted alliance, it does not mean you should sing paeans for your new leader."

Responding to the jibe, Panneerselvam pointed out that Sengottaiyan himself had switched political camp (from the AIADMK to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led TVK) in the past.

The sharp verbal duel soon turned to "photos and loyalties" when School Education Minister A Rajmohan drew the House's attention to sartorial choices, noting, "Look at Minister Sengottaiyan - he still carries the photograph of (late Chief Minister) J Jayalalithaa in his shirt pocket. But look at Panneerselvam; he has not only changed his place, but also the photo closest to his heart."

Public Works and Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna echoed the sentiment, praising Sengottaiyan for retaining the late leader's image despite changing parties.

Hitting back, Panneerselvam stated that leaders like Periyar, Anna, M Karunanidhi, M G Ramachandran, and J Jayalalithaa remained in his heart.

"We do not believe in putting on a show to mislead the public," he retorted, defending his current stance, and emphasised his allegiance to the Dravidian movement and his association with former Chief Minister M K Stalin’s steadfast struggle for state rights over the past five years.

"I carry his photo to express my gratitude to him," the former chief minister explained.

Taking exception to the remarks, Sengottaiyan clarified that he was not questioning personal photographs he displayed, but found the opposition leader's remarks about the budget degrading.

"He served as chief minister three times under Amma's (Jayalalithaa) leadership. The public is watching closely how he speaks today."

As heated exchanges continued, the Speaker intervened to expunge certain remarks from the official record and appealed to both sides to bring the debate back to order.

The Division Bench comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and R Sakthivel issued the direction on a PIL filed by Rama Ravikumar of Madurai district, who alleged that the statue was installed by the Dravidar Kazhagam around 1990 without permission from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.

He further alleged that the statue was installed within five feet of the temple premises and that the DK flag was also installed near the statue on land belonging to the temple.

The petitioner also stated that information he received under the Right to Information Act on June 2, 2026, revealed that the EV Ramasamy statue had been installed on temple land without obtaining permission from the HR&CE dept.

Subsequently, he submitted a representation to authorities seeking its removal.

The court directed the Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, the HR&CE Commissioner, Collector, among others, to file the status report and posted next hearing for September.

In Chennai, protests were held at Guindy, Anna Salai, Tiruvottiyur, Ambattur, Tambaram and other locations, with police detaining protesters. In North Chennai, more than 500 people were arrested after CITU, AITUC, and the several unions staged a road blockade in Madhavaram as part of the Jail Bharo agitation.

The protesters raised a 20-point charter of demands, including withdrawal of the four labour codes, the Electricity Amendment Bill and the new hit-and-run provisions, besides demanding a minimum monthly wage of Rs 42,000 for workers. They also sought restoration of a job guarantee scheme providing 200 days of work at a daily wage of Rs 700, an integrated debt waiver for farmers and poor people, implementation of the Land Acquisition Act, and withdrawal of trade agreements that they said were against the interests of the country.

The unions further demanded an end to public-sector privatisation, stake sales and outsourcing, filling of vacant posts, creation of new jobs and universal social security for workers and street vendors. Restoration of the old pension scheme, increased allocations for public education and healthcare, and measures to control price rise were among the other demands.

Speaking to reporters, CITU state secretary V Kuppusamy accused the Union government of pursuing policies favouring private and foreign corporations at the expense of workers for more than 12 years. “The government is gradually replacing permanent employment with fixed-term jobs and is now dismantling labour protections won through decades of workers’ struggles,” he added. “The labour welfare laws are now reduced to four anti-worker labour codes. These were passed in Parliament despite opposition from trade unions and without any discussion.”

Similar protests were held in Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam, where trade unions and farmers’ organisations sought to lay siege to Union government offices.

It is said that P Praveen Kumar (31), a resident of Kabisthalam Agraharam, and also Papanasam North Union Joint Secretary of TVK, was running an eatery in the locality. It is said that the river sand theft had been taking place in and around Kabisthalam, and so Praveen Kumar had lodged a complaint with the police.

The police seized a bullock cart and sand owned by Venkatesh (37) from Kabisthalam, who was involved in smuggling sand along with his friends Mariappan (24) and Asai Thambi Praveen (19). The police also registered a case against the three.

In such a scenario, the trio, Venkatesh, Mariappan and Praveen, went to the eatery of Praveen Kumar on Sunday night and attacked him and his friend Vasanth (19) and escaped.

The injured Praveen Kumar and Vasanth were rushed to Kumbakonam GH, where they have been undergoing treatment. On Monday, the police arrested Mariappan, and a search is on for Venkatesh and Praveen.

Participating in the debate on the Revised Budget and Agriculture Budget, Praveen said Bullet Raja, which had earlier created problems in the Nilgiris, had been brought to Kanniyakumari and was now causing serious trouble for residents, particularly those in his Vilavancode constituency.

"Bullet Raja, which was a problem in the Nilgiris, was brought to Kanniyakumari and left here. It is causing a lot of trouble. It should be taken somewhere else," he said.

Praveen also sought pattas for eligible residents, particularly tribal communities, in Vilavancode. He said water scarcity remained a major issue in Tamil Nadu and that Kanniyakumari had faced the problem for several years. Referring to the inter-State water dispute, he said the issue dated back to the period before the 1956 linguistic reorganisation of States and subsequent discussions between the two governments.

Intervening, Forest Minister RV Ranjithkumar said people should not disturb the movement and habitat of wild animals, particularly elephants, and said the government would take appropriate steps to address the challenges.

Water Resources Minister N Anand said the government would hold discussions and take appropriate action to resolve the inter-state water issue.

Revenue Minister KA Sengottaiyan assured the Assembly that eligible beneficiaries across the State would be issued pattas within the next year.

The Health and Family Welfare Department issued the Tamil Nadu Advance Medical Directive Guidelines, 2026, through a GO dated July 31, 2026, following the Supreme Court’s directions on advance medical directives and passive euthanasia.

Under the guidelines, any adult of sound mind can voluntarily execute an AMD for a treatment they wish to refuse or withdraw if they subsequently become incapable of making or communicating informed decisions. The directive can include refusal of mechanical ventilation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or artificial nutrition and hydration when these would only prolong the process of dying.

The AMD has to be signed in the presence of two witnesses and attested by a Notary or Gazetted Officer. The person can nominate guardians or close relatives, in order of preference, to act on their behalf if they lose decision-making capacity.

A copy has to be handed over to the nominated persons and the family physician, if any, and deposited with the Joint Director of Health Services, who will act as its custodian. The directive can also be incorporated into digital health records and can be withdrawn or altered by the person at any time while they retain decision-making capacity. The guidelines also prescribed procedures to be followed by the treating institution on how to act on the AMD.

The new guidelines also prescribe a separate process for patients who have not executed an AMD. Where such a patient is terminally ill, undergoing prolonged treatment for an incurable condition with no hope of recovery, the treating institution will constitute a Primary Medical Board. It will discuss the case with the family physician, if any, and the patient’s next of kin, next friend or guardian, and record the proceedings.

If the Primary Medical Board recommends withdrawal or refusal of further treatment, a Secondary Medical Board will review the case. In case of disagreement, the concerned family member, nominee, treating physician or hospital staff can approach the High Court for permission to withdraw life support.

The guidelines provide for a High Court Division Bench to decide such cases expeditiously. The court can also constitute an independent panel of three doctors from specified specialities, including General Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, Psychiatry and Oncology, with at least 20 years’ professional experience.

An AMD will not be acted upon if circumstances arise that the person had not anticipated when executing it and which could have affected their decision. An unclear or ambiguous directive will also not be given effect.

The government has prescribed separate formats for executing an AMD and recording the recommendations of the Primary and Secondary Medical Boards. The guidelines will remain in force until Parliament enacts legislation on the subject.

According to the guidelines, the government has allocated Rs 828.36 crore for the implementation of the scheme. Each MLA constituency will receive Rs 3 crore for taking up development works.

In addition, the government has allocated Rs 54 lakh per constituency towards the 18 percent GST component. The funds are to be utilised only for development works identified under the MLACDS.

The guidelines provide for using the funds for various public infrastructure works, including the construction and renovation of public buildings and school infrastructure. The scheme is aimed at enabling MLAs to recommend essential development works in their respective constituencies and address local infrastructure requirements.

Participating in the debate on the Revised Budget 2026-27, Ansari said the government should enact a law during the ongoing Assembly session to provide certificates to eligible new converts to fight against the High Court's order nullifying it.

He also urged the government to consider constructing a new Assembly building with modern facilities in a circular design near the legislators' hostel, while respecting the heritage of the existing structure.

On NEET, Ansari questioned the denial of permission for a Dravidar Kazhagam campaign despite widespread opposition to the examination and criticised the deployment of police near Periyar Thidal. He said four students were on hunger strike in Chennai and urged the government to consider their demand for another Assembly resolution seeking exemption for Tamil Nadu.

Ansari also sought Indian citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils or permission for them to return to countries of their choice, citing their prolonged stay in refugee camps.

He called for reconsideration of the Rasimanal dam project proposed during the Kamarajar regime as an alternative to the Mekedatu dispute and opposed offshore hydrocarbon projects.

He also sought measures to address salary, pension, and regularisation issues for Annamalai University employees, including the legal utilisation of part of its land to raise funds.

Ansari sought release of eligible life convicts who had completed 14 years, irrespective of caste or religion, and an Assembly resolution against amendments to foreign funding laws affecting educational, medical and social service institutions.

The Finance Minister, delivering his reply in the slang of north Tamil Nadu, said that was his way of speaking and that he wouldn't change it to suit others.

Participating in the debate on the Revised Budget, Kadayanallur MDMK MLA T M Rajendran appreciated the Finance Minister for his command of English, while urging him to give greater prominence to Tamil and use Tamil expressions effectively.

Responding, Wilson said language-based criticism had become frequent in the House, along with remarks concerning caste and women. "I have been in the education sector over 30 years, and most of my communication has been in English," he said, defending his language choice.

The minister went on to train his guns on fellow first-time MLA Rajendran. "My Christian faith has taught me the language of love, peace and compassion. Some people may not know that language, however much Tamil they learn, " Wilson said.

Rejecting the criticism, he said, "Am I being mocked or ridiculed because of my language? I can speak only this way. This is my style. Accept it. I cannot change myself for everyone."

Speaker Prabhakar intervened and urged both sides to take the issue lightly and end the exchange. He also pointed out that Rajendran himself had repeatedly used the word "Budget", instead of the Tamil term "Nidhinilai Arikkai".

School Education Minister Rajmohan said every region had its own distinctive Tamil, from Nellai and Madurai to Kumari and Chennai, and stressed that promoting pure Tamil should not mean dismissing regional speech. He said Tamil's richness lay in embracing all its regional forms. DMK leader and former minister EV Velu also intervened, saying it wasn't wrong to be bilingual in Tamil Nadu, and seconded the view that slang in Tamil is an accepted form of expression. Velu tried to put things in context on the appeal made by the MDMK legislator, an orator hailing from the Tirunelveli region, considered the cradle of the Tamil language.

As part of his talk, Marie Wilson also highlighted government reforms, saying the Chief Minister had held several departmental review meetings over the past 60 days.

Claiming that nearly Rs 15,000 crore had reached the State exchequer in 65 days, he said the progress was the result of the collective effort of the entire Cabinet.

Representatives of the Kovalam-Pasuvandharai-Thanpaadu Small-Scale Salt Producers’ Association submitted a petition to the District Collector on Monday, stating that they had been producing salt on government-leased land in Mullakkadu for more than 93 years.

They urged the Collector to intervene and protect their livelihood. They also alleged that a case had been registered against five members of the salt-producing community for allegedly preventing a government employee from discharging his duty.

The salt producers have intensified their efforts against the proposed acquisition. A delegation of salt producers recently met DMDK general secretary and MLA Premallatha Vijayakant at the party headquarters in Chennai and sought her support for their agitation.

According to a statement issued by the salt producers, Premalatha, who had earlier visited the salt pans in Thoothukudi, received their petition and assured them that she would support and stand by their agitation.

The salt producers have decided to intensify their agitation by meeting with political party leaders and seeking their support. They have already met Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman and leaders of the Communist parties as part of their campaign.

According to the data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday by the Union Finance Ministry in response to an unstarred question by Ramanathapuram MP K Navaskani, private sector banks accounted for the overwhelming share of the outstanding credit card receivables.

Their receivables rose to Rs 2.81 lakh crore in March 2026 from Rs 1.46 lakh crore in March 2022. Public sector banks, meanwhile, saw their outstanding credit card receivables increase to Rs 5,667 crore from Rs 1,123 crore during the same period.

Among individual banks, HDFC Bank reported the highest outstanding credit card receivables at Rs 1.12 lakh crore in March 2026, up from Rs 71,928 crore in March 2022. ICICI Bank followed with Rs 54,865 crore, while Axis Bank had Rs 49,702 crore outstanding.

IDFC First Bank recorded one of the sharpest increases, with its outstanding credit card receivables rising from Rs 2,007 crore in March 2022 to Rs 9,165 crore in March 2026. RBL Bank had Rs 16,430 crore outstanding, followed by Kotak Mahindra Bank at Rs 12,852 crore, and IndusInd Bank at Rs 9,962 crore. Yes Bank's receivables increased from Rs 2,159 crore to Rs 8,827 crore during the five-year period.

The Centre, however, said the Reserve Bank of India does not maintain State-wise information on credit card issuance and usage. The figures provided by the government relate to bank-wise advances outstanding towards credit card receivables.

In its response, the Finance Ministry said RBI's 2025 directions on credit and debit cards require explicit customer consent for card issuance, activation, enhancement of credit limits, and over-limit facilities. Banks are also required to provide clear disclosures on interest rates, fees, charges and customer obligations through Key Fact Statements and Most Important Terms and Conditions.

The government said various initiatives were being implemented to promote financial literacy, responsible borrowing, credit discipline, and cyber fraud prevention. Tamil Nadu has 128 Centres for Financial Literacy and 75 Financial Literacy Centres.

During 2025-26, the CFLs conducted 92,096 awareness camps, while FLCs conducted 10,419 camps covering responsible borrowing, credit discipline, digital financial literacy, cyber fraud prevention and sound financial management.

In Ramanathapuram district, three CFLs and two FLCs conducted 2,160 and 809 awareness camps respectively during 2025-26. Focused camps were also held for small entrepreneurs, youth and women on responsible borrowing, credit discipline, digital financial literacy, cyber fraud prevention and informed financial decision-making.

Highlights

Total bank credit card receivables

March 2022 - Rs 1.47 lakh crore

March 2026 - Rs 2.86 lakh crore

Private sector banks

March 2022 - Rs 1.46 lakh crore

March 2026 - Rs 2.81 lakh crore

Public sector banks

March 2022 - Rs 1,123 crore

March 2026 - Rs 5,667 crore

Highest as on March 2026

HDFC Bank: Rs 1.12 lakh crore

ICICI Bank: Rs 54,865 crore

Axis Bank: Rs 49,702 crore

Financial literacy camps held in TN (2025-26)

1,02,515

Sources said, A Veda alias Vedaselvam (52), Thanjavur North District BJP Secretary against whom several cases were registered across Kumbakonam and investigations are under way.

Against such a backdrop, on Sunday late hours, Vedaselvam was returning to Kumbakonam after attending the birthday celebration of BJP State General Secretary Kappu Muruganandam at Muthupettai in Tiruvarur.

While Vedaselvam was nearing Kumbakonam town, the police who were conducting vehicle inspection, searched the car of Vedaselvam and found lethal weapons in the vehicle. Soon the police seized them and conducted an investigation and seized the vehicle also. Later, he was arrested and was produced before the court and was lodged in the Pudukkottai prison.

While residents welcomed the opening of the new terminus as their long wait for a new bus terminus had come to an end, due to the relocation of the terminus, traffic snarls were witnessed on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Tiruvallur.

Residents have been waiting for nearly 30 years to get a new terminus at the district headquarters. Despite the inauguration, a few concerns were raised regarding the operation of services from Theradi to the new terminus.

P Raj Kumar, a long-time resident of Tiruvallur, said, “I’ve been living in Tiruvallur for more than 45 years. Even 10 buses cannot be parked at the old terminus. But the new terminus is more spacious. Increase the drinking water facility for passengers. Install a divider between urinal sinks at the men’s toilets in the new terminus.”

He also pointed out that since the new terminus was located away from the town, free mini buses must be operated from Theradi. “As of now, there are only two buses between the new terminus and the railway station. This should be increased, as it would benefit thousands of students and office goers who have to reach the city daily. Also, start bus services to nearby districts,” he opined.

Speaking to DT Next, Tiruvallur district collector TS Kavitha said that free buses cannot be operated from Theradi to the new terminus. “Regular buses can be operated after consulting with officials of the transport department. Adequate water supply and other queries will be resolved by informing the municipality.”

S Barnabas, a resident of Murugancherry, said, “I did not know when buses from the old terminus were shifted. I come to Tiruvallur once a month. After finishing my work at the bazaar, I went to the old bus terminus to reach Poonamallee; it looked deserted. An auto man asked for Rs 100 to drop me at the new terminus.”

A conductor on the Tiruvallur–Sriperumbudur route said, “We usually charge Rs 31 to reach Sriperumbudur bus terminus. Since two new stages have been added, we’re now charging passengers Rs 33 to reach the new terminus. A few members of the public were relieved, as they spent just Rs 2 more to reach the Collector’s office. Earlier, they had to board another bus or spend Rs 20 to reach there.”

Thamizh Thendral Thiru Vi Ka Bus Terminus was constructed at Rs 35 crore across 5.5 acres along Uthukottai Road near Vengadanallur, which accommodates 56 buses simultaneously. It features 101 shops, modern toilets, and parking for 500 two-wheelers and 100 cars.

Tiruvallur Municipality is seeking multiple ways to utilise the old bus terminus space for the best for public use.

“The CB-CID filed the charge sheet before the court nearly 65 days ago, but has not shared a copy with us so far,” the family members told reporters after submitting a petition to Sivaganga District Collector P Akash and Superintendent of Police Abhishek Gupta, seeking their immediate intervention in the matter.

The police took Aakash Delishan of Krishnarajapuram near Manamadurai for questioning on March 8 in connection with a case relating to a clash that took place on the night of March 5. He allegedly died following torture in police custody.

Following the intervention of the court, the case was altered to include murder charges, and Section 3(2)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, was also invoked. The case was subsequently transferred to the CB-CID for investigation.

The family claimed that the charge sheet was filed before the court in Madurai and that the case was transferred to the Sivaganga PCR court on July 19. Aakash’s body was cremated on July 17 following an order of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.

However, the family alleged that they had not been provided with a copy of the charge sheet despite the police filing it in the Court. “When we approached the Manamadurai PCR court seeking the document, the court officials informed us that case records had been sent back to the CB-CID for e-filing. The CB-CID, on the other hand, claims they can share the copy only after the case is numbered in the court,” the family said.

Advocate Prathiban, who represents the family in the case, said that under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the police were required to provide the charge sheet to the victim’s family and their advocate immediately after filing it before the court.

“It appears that the delay is deliberate and is intended to help the accused in the case obtain bail,” the advocate said.

The peer reviewed study, published in the international journal, Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, found that nutrient accumulation in sediments, severe oxygen depletion and organic pollution were posing growing ecological risks to inland wetlands across the State, highlighting the need for urgent restoration and improved pollution management.

Titled ‘Integrated Physico chemical and ecological risk assessment of inland wetlands in Tamil Nadu, India, reveals nutrient driven ecological stress’, the study was carried out by Anna University researchers Praveen Arjunan, Saranya Kuppusamy and S Kanmani. The team analysed water, sediment and surrounding soil samples collected from 10 major inland wetlands in Tamil Nadu.

The researchers reported critically low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels ranging from 0.1 mg/L to 4.0 mg/L, well below the 4-5 mg/L generally required to sustain healthy aquatic life. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) ranged between 0.17 mg/L and 4.5 mg/L, while Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reached as high as 420.2 mg/L, indicating significant organic pollution entering wetland ecosystems. Although nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in surface water were largely within Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) limits, the study found that sediments had accumulated substantial nutrient loads over time.

Total nitrogen concentrations in sediments reached 5,387 mg/kg, while total phosphorus levels were recorded at up to 32.5 mg/kg. According to researchers, these sediments now function as ‘legacy nutrient reservoirs’, continuously releasing nutrients back into the water through internal nutrient cycling and worsening ecological degradation.

The overall ecological risk across the wetlands was moderate. However, researchers cautioned that several localised pollution hotspots require immediate intervention.

The study recommends moving beyond routine surface water monitoring and adopting sediment-focused restoration measures such as targeted dredging and internal nutrient control. It also calls for preventing untreated municipal sewage and agricultural run-off from entering wetlands through nature-based wastewater treatment systems, including constructed wetlands, and implementing site-specific ecological restoration plans.

Environmental expert and former Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS) professor S Janakarajan said that Pallikaranai marsh, one of Chennai’s last remaining wetlands, has been facing severe ecological degradation, and urged the State government to take immediate restoration measures. “We’ve been polluting the Pallikaranai wetland for more than 40 years. Solid waste dumping and sewage inflow have contaminated the soil, and heavy metals can now be traced in the groundwater in areas surrounding the marsh,” he opined. “Groundwater contamination has affected localities including Velachery, Guindy and several other areas located 40-50 sqkm area around the wetland.”

He pointed out that Pallikaranai marsh once spread across more than 50 sq km, but only about 5-6 sq km now remain. “The wetland has shrunk drastically over the years due to encroachments and developmental activities. Even after Pallikaranai was declared a Ramsar site, there is still no clearly demarcated boundary for the wetland. The remaining area must be protected without further delay,” he said.

Calling for immediate conservation measures, Janakarajan urged the State government to implement measures to prevent garbage dumping within and around the marsh and undertake large scale planting of indigenous tree species along its boundaries in the width of 50 metres. “If native trees are planted in a 40-metre wide buffer around the wetland and further dumping of waste is prevented, nature has the ability to heal itself over time. Protecting the remaining wetland has to be made a priority,” he added.

10 inland wetlands

1. Ponneri Tank area, Pulicat wetland complex in Tiruvallur

2. Barur Lake, Kaveripattinam in Krishnagiri-Dharmapuri

3. Wallajah Lake area, Uthiramerur in Ranipet-Chengalpattu

4. Singanallur Lake, Sulur Wetland in Coimbatore

5. Vagaikulam wetland, Tenkasi-Tirunelveli

6. Koonthankulam wetland complex, Tirunelveli

7. Kadamba Tank, Eral wetland,in Thoothukudi

8. Nainar kulam, Thamirabarani Basin Tank, Tirunelveli

9. Perungulam, Kasba wetland in Thoothukudi

10. Madakulam Lake, Vandiyur Lake in Madurai

In a statement, Anbumani said the state government had increased its incentive for ordinary variety paddy procurement price to Rs 2,600, while the price for fine variety had been increased to Rs 2,750. He said more than 95 per cent of the paddy procured by the government belonged to the ordinary variety and therefore the incentive for it should have been increased substantially.

He said the Centre had fixed the minimum support price at Rs 2,441 per quintal for the ordinary variety and Rs 2,461 per quintal for the fine variety for the current season. During the previous DMK regime, Tamil Nadu provided incentives of Rs 131 and Rs 156 per quintal for the two varieties, respectively.

According to Anbumani, the present government had increased the incentive to Rs 159 for the ordinary variety and Rs 289 for the fine variety. He argued that the higher incentive for fine variety would benefit only a small section of farmers, while the majority cultivating ordinary paddy would receive only a marginal increase.

Comparing Tamil Nadu with other states, Anbumani said Odisha had provided an incentive of Rs 800 per quintal last year, while Kerala had offered Rs 650 per quintal. He said Tamil Nadu's incentive was inadequate compared with those of these states.

Anbumani said the production cost of one quintal of paddy in Tamil Nadu ranged between Rs 2,300 and Rs 2,400. Fixing the procurement price by adding only around Rs 200 to the production cost was not justified, he said.

He demanded that the state government increase the incentive for ordinary paddy to Rs 559 per quintal so that farmers would receive Rs 3,000 per quintal this year. He also urged the government to fulfil its electoral promise and increase the procurement price to Rs 3,500 per quintal next year.

On sugarcane, Anbumani said the Centre had fixed the procurement price at Rs 3,290.50 per tonne for the 2025-26 crushing season, while the Tamil Nadu government had announced an incentive of Rs 709.50, taking the effective price to Rs 4,000 per tonne.

For the 2026-27 crushing season, beginning in October, the Centre has fixed the procurement price at Rs 3,383 per tonne. Anbumani said that if the state continued the previous year's incentive, farmers would receive Rs 4,092 per tonne.

He demanded that the state government increase its sugarcane incentive by Rs 408 and provide a total state incentive of Rs 1,117 per tonne, taking the procurement price to Rs 4,500. He urged the government to announce the revised incentive immediately.

Participating in the debate on the General Budget and Agriculture Budget, former Minister and DMK MLA MRK Panneerselvam questioned the government's decision not to waive crop loans for farmers as assured during polls.

He said the TVK had announced during the election campaign that all farmers' crop loans would be waived. "Based on this announcement, the government would have to waive loans worth around Rs 21,000 crore, but it has allocated only Rs 6,000 crore. Since crop loans have not been waived, farmers are unable to obtain fresh loans," Panneerselvam alleged.

Responding to Panneerselvam's allegation that private traders were procuring paddy from farmers at higher prices than the government, Food Minister P Venkataramanan said the government had procured around 65 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from farmers over the past three months.

He said procurement had been increased to ensure adequate stocks and avoid shortages during natural calamities.

"During the DMK regime, Direct Procurement Centres were operated by DMK functionaries. The situation has changed now," the minister alleged.

Former Food Minister and DMK MLA R Chakrapani rejected the charge, saying that during the DMK regime, Direct Procurement Centres were operated under committees headed by the respective District Collectors.

Defending the DMK's position on crop loan waiver, former Minister and DMK MLA EV Velu explained why the previous DMK government had not promised a complete crop loan waiver.

He said the then Finance Secretary had not given consent to the proposal, citing difficulties in distinguishing between small, marginal and large farmers.

"The Finance Secretary told us that the government could not differentiate between small, marginal and large farmers. If the scheme had been implemented, the government would have had to spend around Rs 19,000 crore. Due to financial constraints, we did not include the proposal in the DMK's election manifesto," Velu said.

The debate subsequently shifted to paddy procurement.

Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan, secretary, Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association, said the Rs 709.50-per-tonne hike in the sugarcane incentive was a decent increase and would take the price to Rs 4,000 per tonne. However, the Chief Minister had assured farmers during the election campaign that sugarcane would fetch Rs 4,500 per tonne.

“Though the present price of Rs 4,000 per ton is a comfortable hike, it is applicable to the crushing period that commences from October 2026 to September 30, 2027 and only one lakh sugarcane farmers alone can benefit,” he said.

He appealed to the Chief Minister to ensure Rs 4,500 per tonne for sugarcane from the next crushing period. “The State government has proposed to increase Rs 5,000 crore more through the Tasmac sales, and sugarcane is one of the major raw materials, so the State government should encourage the sugarcane farmers who would support income generation to the State,” he said.

Meanwhile, farmers’ associations affiliated to the CPM and CPI also welcomed the increase in incentives for paddy and sugarcane, but sought a higher incentive for common-variety paddy and the implementation of the promised farm loan waivers.

Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association general secretary Sami Natarajan said the government’s decision to increase the incentive for fine variety paddy from Rs 156 to Rs 289 per quintal would take the procurement price to Rs 2,750, while common variety paddy would fetch Rs 2,600. He said the Centre had increased its paddy price by only Rs 69 over last year.

Natarajan also welcomed the additional Rs 709.50-per-tonne incentive for sugarcane, taking the price to Rs 4,000 per tonne for the 2025-26 crushing season. The Centre has fixed the price at Rs 3,290.50 for sugarcane with 9.5% recovery.

He said the higher incentives came at a time when fertiliser prices had risen sharply and diesel prices had been increased four times in a month, pushing up agricultural production costs. The announcement showed that the TVK government had recognised the difficulties faced by farmers and renewed their confidence that it would fulfil its election promise of providing higher prices for paddy and sugarcane, he said.

CPI-led association general secretary B S Masilamani also welcomed the paddy and sugarcane price increases. He said the association had urged the government during a meeting with eight ministers at the Secretariat on August 7 to announce the higher prices for the current season.

Masilamani also sought immediate implementation of the election promise on farm loan waivers, saying farmers were under pressure from banks to repay loans. With many farmers already facing financial difficulties, the pressure to repay loans was affecting their ability to prepare for the next cultivation season, he said.

Participating in the debate on the Revised Budget and Agriculture Budget, Bhojarajan said three schools in the Nilgiris had been closed and sought immediate intervention to reverse the trend. "People have no confidence in government schools. Officials should identify the reasons for declining student strength and take steps to change the situation," he said.

School Education Minister Rajmohan, however, said no government school had been closed due to poor enrolment. "We are sending teachers to find out why student strength is declining and address the shortcomings. I will personally examine the schools mentioned by the member," he said. The government was committed to keeping every school open, he added.

Bhojarajan also sought a complete waiver of crop loans and greater support for farmers, particularly in the Delta and 12 other districts. He demanded subsidies for tea growers, citing similar assistance during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee and J Jayalalithaa regimes.

He urged the government to explore diverting water from the Sarabanga river to the Bhavanisagar reservoir, saying the Nilgiris was the water tower of the Kongu region. He also sought measures to protect forests, increase tree planting and facilitate patta transfers for residents of small villages in the Nilgiris.

Bhojarajan highlighted Rs 14 lakh crore in central assistance to Tamil Nadu over 12 years, including Rs 7,011 crore for railways and 11 medical colleges.

Bhojarajan also praised Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for wearing traditional attire during the Budget session and urged other legislators to follow suit. Responding to him, Minister Rajmohan said even Mahakavi Bharathiar, who worked for Tamil, wore western attire.

Health Minister K Arunraj, who released the state rank list for MBBS and BDS admissions for the 2026-27 academic year on Monday, said that online counselling would begin on August 13. Special category students will attend offline counselling at Omandurar Government Medical College on the same day.

Villupuram’s Venkatapathy Velayutham topped the rank list with 705 marks in NEET, followed by Srinika B of Pudukkottai with 700 marks and Sudar of Virudhunagar with 696 marks.

The cut-off for MBBS seats in private medical colleges under the government quota is also expected to rise by up to 23 marks under the 7.% reservation. For students seeking admission to private medical colleges under the 7.5% quota, the increase is expected to be up to 50 marks.

A total of 9,999 MBBS seats will be filled through state counselling this year, including 5,600 seats in government medical colleges and 4,005 in private medical colleges. The State has added around 850 MBBS seats compared to last year, despite the loss of seats following three medical colleges being granted deemed university status. Around 2,000 BDS seats will be filled through counselling, about 200 fewer than last year.

Under the 7.5% reservation for government school students, 537 MBBS and 104 BDS seats (641 total) will be available. M Dinesh of Nagapattinam topped the category with 599 NEET marks, followed by Dharanish BS of Salem and Rajesh R of Pudukkottai, both with 595 marks.

The government has begun a review of the 7.5% reservation scheme as part of the mandatory five-year review to assess its effectiveness and decide whether it should be continued, extended or modified.

Five candidates were disqualified this year for submitting fake NEET scorecards, compared to 25 such cases detected last year. In one case, a candidate who had actually scored 170 marks allegedly submitted documents showing a score of 552.

Reiterating the government’s opposition to NEET, Arunraj said, “The State will continue its legal and political efforts seeking a permanent solution and abolition of the examination.”

It is said that on Monday, Nagaraj, a former panchayat president of Kongudipatti near Iluppur in Pudukkottai, went to drop his wife, a teacher, to the school in Iluppur. After dropping her in the school, Nagaraj was returning home.

When he was nearing Pakkudi-Periya Kudumbam Patti road, he was stopped by an unidentified gang and was attacked with lethal weapons, in which Nagaraj sustained severe injuries and fell dead.

The gang, after ensuring Nagaraj died, severed his head and escaped. On information, Illuppur police rushed to the spot, retrieved the body and sent it to the GH. The police registered a case and commenced an investigation.

The police said that there was a land dispute between Nagaraj and his neighbour, Muthu Lakshmi, who recently lodged a complaint with the police after an altercation, and the police also had registered a case, and the investigation was under way.

In such a scenario, Nagaraj was brutally murdered. The police are investigating from various angles.

The Speaker intervened after MJK MLA M Thamimun Ansari alleged that Vijay had left the House when he began speaking.

Responding to the charge, Prabhakar said officials had informed him that several files were pending for the Chief Minister's approval. "Officials have informed me that a lot of files are pending for the Chief Minister. So, he left the House and is in his chamber, continuing to watch the Assembly proceedings on television. He listens to everything. The member need not worry, " he said.

Prabhakar added that Vijay clears more than 100 files every day.

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan directed the Tamil Nadu Home Affairs Department and the DGP to constitute district-level Special Investigation Teams (SITs) across the State, with necessary financial and administrative support, to probe fraudulent insurance claims involving fake accidents, forged policies, fabricated injuries, and false medical reports and bills, and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible.

The SIT in each district shall be headed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, District Crime Branch, and in Commissionerates, by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, City Crime Branch. Each team will be monitored and periodically reviewed by the concerned Superintendent of Police under the overall supervision of the Additional Director General of Police, CBCID, Chennai.

Upon receiving a request from an insurance company, the SIT will process it in accordance with law and facilitate the timely collection of relevant materials, including call detail records, wherever legally permissible. The respective department heads will initiate disciplinary action against officials responsible for dereliction of duty or misconduct in facilitating or failing to prevent fraudulent claims, without prejudice to criminal proceedings wherever warranted.

Go Digit General Insurance Company had filed a petition before the Madras High Court seeking directions to the State Home Affairs Department to constitute district-level SITs, provide necessary financial and administrative support, and conduct a comprehensive probe into fraudulent insurance claims involving fake accidents, forged policies, fabricated injuries, and false medical reports and bills, and initiate appropriate criminal proceedings against those responsible.

The insurance company submitted that Tribunals, out of misplaced sympathy, were passing awards in favour of fraudsters, causing increasing financial losses. It alleged an unholy nexus among fraudulent claimants, insured persons, police personnel, and some lawyers and doctors, making insurers the principal victims of fake and fabricated accident claims.

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan observed that it was against this background that numerous petitions complaining of harassment were being filed before the Court, seeking directions to restrain police officials from harassing persons named in a complaint.

The Court further observed that it would normally not interfere with an investigation conducted by a police officer. But, it would not turn a blind eye to instances of harassment by the police under the guise of investigation when such conduct is brought to its notice.

While summoning any person named in the complaint or any witness to the incident complained of, the police officer shall summon such person through a written summons under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, specifying a particular date and time for appearing before the officer for such inquiry/investigation. The minutes of the inquiry shall be recorded in the general diary/station diary/daily diary of the police station. The police officer shall refrain from harassing persons called for inquiry/investigation.

R Raja, based in Chennai, had filed a petition before the Madras High Court that the police had been harassing persons under the guise of an inquiry or investigation. The Court thereafter closed the petition.

Replying to queries by reporters during a press conference called to announce the MBBS/BDS rank list for 2026-27, the Health Minister sought to temper the controversy, noting that he was unaware of the context of the Speaker’s statements and urging the public not to misinterpret them.

"Abortion is regulated through the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act," the minister stated.

"Legally, as per the current law, women can legally undergo an abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. In the medical field, across many circumstances, abortion is a definitive medical necessity, and it is something we must do."

Asked about the constitutional and political implications of the Speaker's anti-abortion stance, the minister distanced the health framework from Prabhakar's personal views. "I do not know in what sense the Honourable Assembly Speaker made those comments. Please do not misunderstand it," he said.

The controversy erupted after Prabhakar attended the 5th National March for Life as a chief guest on August 8 and 9. The event, hosted by the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore at Stella Maris College, drew over 5,000 participants to protest abortion rights and advocate for the protection of unborn life.

During the gathering, which explicitly criticised the MTP Act, Prabhakar reportedly echoed global anti-abortion sentiments by declaring that "life begins at conception."

The Speaker’s presence and speech at the rally drew sharp criticism from progressive voices and rights advocates, especially online. Critics pointed to the Supreme Court of India's 2021 ruling, which upheld a woman's reproductive autonomy and the right to a safe abortion as a fundamental right protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Admitting the habeas corpus petition (HCP) filed by Kokila, a Division Bench comprising Justices Anita Sumanth and Sunder Mohan notified the Greater Chennai Police and posted the matter after four weeks. 

According to the prosecution, Arasakumar had allegedly scammed private schools for the past two years using an unregistered outfit named ‘TN Private Schools Association’. He had promised several private schools that he would secure permanent recognition, school upgradation, DTCP/CMDA approvals and other statutory clearances by using his political and bureaucratic connections, according to the complaint filed by Elangovan, secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu. 

However, he allegedly failed to secure the promised approvals or refund the amounts collected from the schools and had allegedly swindled over Rs 100 crore. He was arrested based on a complaint lodged by Elangovan. 

Following the complaint, police registered an FIR, arrested Arasakumar and subjected him to custodial interrogation before invoking the Goondas Act against him. Challenging the preventive detention order passed by Police Commissioner A Amalraj on July 11, his wife filed a petition.

The inflow at Hogenakkal, which stood at around 5,000 cusecs on Sunday, increased to 6,500 cusecs by 7 a.m. on Monday and further surged to 8,000 cusecs by 11 a.m. With the water flow expected to rise further, authorities have stepped up safety measures in the area.

Police, Fire and Rescue Services personnel have intensified patrols along vulnerable stretches of the Cauvery to prevent tourists and residents from venturing into unsafe areas. The administration has also temporarily prohibited coracle rides as a precautionary measure.

Officials of the Central Water Commission are closely monitoring the flow at Biligundlu, the point where the Cauvery enters Tamil Nadu from Karnataka. Water released from Karnataka’s Kabini Dam entered Tamil Nadu on August 4. After showing a decline for a few days, the inflow has increased again amid continuing rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas.

Meanwhile, the water level in the Mettur dam stood at 78.69 feet on Monday. The reservoir recorded an inflow of 5,311 cusecs, while 1,500 cusecs were being discharged.

A protest against the construction of the Mekedatu dam and demanding crop loan waiver was organised by the Coordination Committee of All Farmers Associations was held at Pullambadi in Tiruchy. While speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the protest, Pandian, president of the Coordination Committee, said that while the farmers were fighting for the crop loan waiver without any conditions, the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay advised the minister to hold a talk with the farmers and a meeting was organised on July 7 in which eight ministers held talks with the representatives from various farmers' associations. “We are awaiting the crop loan waiver as per the poll promise,” Pandian said.

He also pointed out that the Delta farmers had already lost kuruvai, and the State government should encourage the farmers to take up samba, for which an incentive of Rs 20,000 per acre should be disbursed to the farmers.

Meanwhile, Pandian charged that the Karnataka government has been planning to construct the Mekedatu dam despite the court's refusal to grant permission. "Chief Minister Joseph Vijay should initiate legal steps against Karnataka and should get the due 40 TMC water for Tamil Nadu as per the orders of Cauvery Water Management Authority, as the water level should reach 100 feet at Mettur reservoir for release of water for samba cultivation,” he said.

He also warned that the farmers from the entire delta region would converge at Tiruchy-Chennai bypass and stage a massive road block protest in the first week of October if Karnataka fails to release the due share of water.

He also charged that the officials have been misguiding the Chief Minister on the Cauvery issue.

Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam (non-political) Secretary, P Raja Chidambaram, Desiya Thennindiya Nadhigal Inaippu Sangam State president P Ayyakannu, Tamilaga Vivasayigal Pathukappu Sangam, founder president Easan Murugasamy and others took part in the protest.

The disruption left passengers bound for Bengaluru stranded at the Hosur bus stand and caused considerable inconvenience to commuters. Members of various Kannada organisations, led by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, gathered at Attibele near the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border around noon to protest against Tamil Nadu’s stand on the Mekedatu project.

As a precautionary measure following the protest, services operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) were suspended for around three hours.

“I had planned our journey to Bengaluru for an interview. As the services suddenly stopped, I returned home after a long wait at Hosur bus stand without knowing when bus services would resume,” said V Arthy, a passenger from Krishnagiri.

Bus services resumed after the situation at the border returned to normal, but the temporary suspension caused inconvenience to several passengers travelling between the two States. Meanwhile, the Kannada organisations have announced a statewide bandh in Karnataka on August 13, demanding that the Tamil Nadu government extend its support to the proposed Mekedatu dam project.

The Division Bench comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and R Sakthivel issued the direction on a PIL filed by advocate and fishermen-rights activist Theeran Thirumurugan from Ramanathapuram.

The petitioner sought the court's intervention to ascertain the whereabouts, custodial status and physical safety of the fishermen and communicate the details to their families. He said he had independently verified the details of five fishermen from Ramanathapuram district through their families and local fishermen associations.

He referred to the recent violence at Negombo Prison in Sri Lanka and expressed concern over the safety of Tamil fishermen detained in the Sinhala nationalist country's prisons.

Relying on Article 21 of the Constitution, the doctrine of parens patriae and provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, the petitioner argued that the Union government had an obligation to provide consular protection and assistance to Indian citizens detained abroad.

The petitioner also sought the formulation of a comprehensive SOP providing for consular assistance, legal aid, coordination between the Centre and State governments and periodic communication with the families. He proposed that travel formalities and repatriation be completed within seven days of a fisherman's release or grant of bail by a competent Sri Lankan court.

The petitioner said he had interacted with several of the 12 fishermen who had earlier been detained in Sri Lanka and subsequently released and repatriated to India. They informed him that, as on the date of their release, 24 Tamil fishermen continued to remain in Sri Lankan custody awaiting release and repatriation, he said.

The released fishermen told him that the continued detention of the remaining fishermen was not an isolated occurrence but part of a recurring pattern in which Tamil fishermen remained in Sri Lankan custody for prolonged periods, causing hardship to them and their families, the petitioner said.

After hearing the submissions, the court directed the Central and State governments to file their responses and adjourned the case to September 2, 2026.

The man, accompanied by his wife and three children — twins, a boy and a girl, and another son — submitted the petition during the district administration’s public grievance meeting.

According to the complainant, his daughter developed a fever in 2018 and was admitted to Tirupur Government Hospital, where doctors reportedly found that she had low haemoglobin levels. She was subsequently referred to CMCH for further treatment, where she received a blood transfusion before being discharged.

The girl later developed lumps near her ear and was taken for further medical evaluation. Tests subsequently showed that she was HIV-positive, the father alleged.

Shocked by the diagnosis, the couple underwent HIV tests and were found to be negative, he said. Based on this, the family suspected that the infection could have been acquired through the blood transfusion at CMCH.

The weaver urged the district administration to conduct a detailed inquiry, identify the cause of the infection and take appropriate action. He also sought compensation for the family.

Acting on the complaint, the Collector directed officials to take the girl to the hospital for appropriate medical evaluation and treatment and submit a detailed report on the case. CMCH authorities, however, denied that the girl could have contracted HIV through the blood transfusion administered at the hospital.

“The donated blood was separated into plasma, red blood cells and white blood cells, and the components were subsequently used for three patients. Only red blood cells were transfused to the child. The other two recipients and the donor were also tested and found to be HIV-negative,” a hospital official said.

The district administration is examining the medical records and other relevant details to ascertain the cause of the girl’s HIV infection.

Sundaresan, appearing for the Union government, informed a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan that the petition had become infructuous as the Union Home Ministry had issued a fresh notification.

He further submitted that the Union Home Ministry had not insisted that Tamil Thai Vazhthu be sung last, but had only stated that when the national anthem and the national song were sung together, Vande Mataram should be sung first. The bench thereafter adjourned the hearing of the case to next week.

The petition, filed by Ananya Radhakrishnan, contended that placing Tamil Thai Vazhthu in the third position during the ceremony caused deep anguish among the people and amounted to an unwarranted dilution of the ceremonial dignity traditionally accorded to the State song.

According to the petitioner, a circular from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated January 28 titled ‘Orders Relating to the National Song of India’ does not impose any constitutional, statutory or executive prohibition against commencing official State functions with an officially recognised State song. The plea stated that the circular merely regulated the order between the National Song and the National Anthem, when both were rendered together and is silent on State songs, including Tamil Thai Vazhthu.

The plea sought to quash the circular and direct the authorities to issue appropriate protocol guidelines ensuring that Tamil Thai Vazhthu is rendered at the commencement of official State functions and constitutional ceremonies, and was not relegated to a position subsequent to Vande Mataram or the National Anthem in the absence of any express constitutional, statutory or binding executive mandate.

The association said when cybercrime investigations trace the transaction trail, a payment made at a petrol outlet too comes under the scrutiny, even though the dealer has no way of knowing the source or history of the customer's money.

TNPDA president K P Murali said Cyber Crime authorities send requests to banks to freeze accounts into which disputed transactions have reached. The dealers had earlier been approaching banks, submitting their explanations and getting the account released while the disputed amount remained on hold pending investigation. The issue, Murali said, has now escalated to dealers being taken to police stations for inquiry.

“Many dealers were among those who were affected. A woman petrol dealer who was taken from her house at around 5.30 am for inquiry. Her husband accompanied her and they remained at the police station until around 8 pm,” he said. Adding that, investigators could instead visit the outlet or the dealer's house and collect the required documents and transaction details.

The dealers say, they were now facing the consequences of a digital-payment system they had been encouraged to adopt. “ An outlet will handle around 200-500 digital transactions a day, and that digital payments account for more than 50% of revenue at many outlets, we don't have mechanism to establish whether a customer's money is connected to a crime,” they say.

The association said the action was causing mental agony, embarrassment and reputational damage to dealers and has sought a standard operating procedure for handling disputed digital transactions involving petrol outlets. It wants authorities to provide details of the disputed transaction and communicate with the dealer before taking coercive action.

“We have no other option but to temporarily suspend UPI, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm and card payments at petrol outlets across Tamil Nadu if the issue is not addressed,” said Murali.