Shanmugam said the reply given by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary had come as a shock to farmers and the people of Tamil Nadu. He said PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss need not have raised such a question in Parliament at a time when all efforts should be focused on safeguarding Tamil Nadu's irrigation rights and opposing Karnataka's attempts to build the Mekedatu dam.

Shanmugam said it is an internationally accepted principle that upper riparian States cannot take unilateral decisions on disputes involving inter-State rivers. He alleged that the Union minister was well aware of this principle and accused the BJP-led Union government of continuing to act against Tamil Nadu's interests by giving such a reply in Parliament without considering its consequences.

The CPM leader alleged that Karnataka had failed to release Tamil Nadu's due share of Cauvery water every month as mandated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and the Supreme Court's final judgment. Instead, he claimed, Tamil Nadu had been treated merely as a drainage outlet for surplus water released by Karnataka during periods of heavy rainfall.

He warned that construction of the Mekedatu dam could deprive Tamil Nadu of its rightful share of Cauvery water, posing a serious threat to irrigation and drinking water supplies and potentially turning fertile regions into arid land.

Shanmugam further said the Supreme Court had not examined every aspect of the Cauvery Tribunal's award and had confined its judgment mainly to Karnataka's plea on water sharing. He urged the Union government to withdraw the minister's reply in Parliament and take steps to protect the rights of lower riparian States, including Tamil Nadu.

According to a Government Order issued by Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary R Selvaraj, the committee will be headed by PWD Chief Engineer E Senthil.

The committee comprises Anna University Professor S Karthikeyan, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) Superintending Engineer TR Rajan Babu, Directorate of Town and Country Planning Additional Director P Ranganathan, Greater Chennai Corporation Chief Engineer S Rajeswari, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department senior engineer AG Sethuraman, and senior engineer A Kuttalingam. Law Department Deputy Secretary M Jeevanantham will oversee the legal aspects of the proposed legislation.

The government said the State currently does not have a separate law to regulate professional civil engineers or protect their professional practice and livelihood. The committee has been tasked with exploring the formulation of dedicated legislation to address the gap.

The direction was given during a virtual meeting of the party's legislators, attended by 56 of the 59 DMK MLAs. Party whip EV Velu welcomed the members before Udhayanidhi addressed the legislators.

According to party sources, the Leader of the Opposition instructed MLAs to focus on issues affecting their respective constituencies as well as matters of State-wide importance during the Assembly proceedings. He also advised members to move special mentions and adjournment motions on pressing public issues to ensure they receive the government's attention.

The meeting, which lasted for around 15 to 20 minutes, also discussed the party's strategy for the Budget Session and the role of legislators in effectively highlighting public concerns on the floor of the House.

The TVK-led government is scheduled to present its maiden State Budget in the Assembly on August 5, followed by the Agriculture Budget on August 6.

"The rights of the farmers of Tamil Nadu have been discarded from consideration by the BJP-led central government for electoral gains in Karnataka," Annamalai said in a statement.

Contrasting the statement with the Centre's earlier stand, he cited then Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat's statement in Parliament on August 5, 2021. Shekhawat, Annamalai said, had stated that Karnataka's permission to prepare a Detailed Project Report was conditional and that consent of lower riparian States was mandatory under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act for constructing a dam across an inter-State river.

"Why is the Central Government now suddenly making a U-turn on the position it had already taken?" Annamalai asked.

He urged the Centre not to take the people of Tamil Nadu for granted or unnecessarily strain the brotherly relationship between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The restructuring was notified through a Gazette published on Monday, following a Government Order issued by the Commercial Taxes, Registration and Religious Endowments Department on July 23. The two Additional Commissioner posts, headquartered in Chennai and Tiruchy, have been sanctioned in the senior scale of the IAS.

The revamp comes amid scrutiny over the management of religious and inam properties, following the recent Palani mutt land registration case and the controversy surrounding restrictions imposed on inam lands, including in Karur district.

Under the new arrangement, the Chennai-based Additional Commissioner will oversee the North Zone, comprising Chennai and several northern and western districts, including Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Salem, Erode and Coimbatore. The Tiruchy-based officer will administer the South Zone, which includes Thanjavur, Madurai, Sivaganga, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi.

The officers have been empowered to inspect temple properties and documents, approve budgets, procurement tenders and certain property leases, and supervise other administrative functions. They will also monitor revenue from temple lands, collection of contributions and audit fees, pending cases, implementation of the Integrated Temple Management System and removal of encroachments.

Orders passed by the Additional Commissioners within their delegated subjects will be deemed orders of the HR&CE Commissioner. However, policy decisions and matters having implications for religious institutions across Tamil Nadu must be referred to the Commissioner.

In a representation addressed to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, the association said that teachers appointed before June 1, 2009, continued to receive a higher basic pay than those recruited after that date, despite both groups performing identical duties and possessing the same qualifications.

According to SSTA, the anomaly arose during the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, when the revised pay fixation resulted in post-2009 recruits starting with a lower basic pay. The association said that the disparity, initially amounting to Rs 3,170 in basic pay, had widened over the years due to annual increments and periodic pay revisions, affecting nearly 27,000 teachers across TN. It has appealed to the government to implement ‘equal pay for equal work’ by removing the disparity.

In a separate memorandum submitted to the director, the SSTA has sought several reforms for the private education sector. It demanded strict enforcement of the norms prescribed under the TN Private Schools Regulation Act and that schools functioning without adequate infrastructure or recognition not be allowed to admit students.

It also urged the department to ensure that teachers were not forced to handle non-teaching duties and that only qualified teachers were appointed for pre-primary classes such as LKG and UKG.

The SSTA also called for transparent fee regulation, timely approval of teacher appointments, the provision of essential learning materials such as tables, books and dictionaries to students, and strict implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. It sought a limit of 25 students per section in LKG and UKG classes and recommended that schools maintain a teacher-student ratio of one teacher for every 7.5 students at the primary level to improve the quality of education.

Sources said that investigators questioned the brothers based on statements recorded from the 14 accused who already were arrested in the case. During the questioning, which has been happening for the past three days, officials sought clarifications regarding financial transactions after examining information that raised suspicions of possible hawala transactions linked to the investigation.

The case pertains to the complaint by N Elaiyaraja, TVK MLA from Uthangarai in Krishnagiri district, to the Chennai police commissioner on June 29 stating that he was approached by a man, identified as Thirunavukkarasu, offering to pay Rs 35 crore to vote against the Speaker.

Two weeks ago, Senthilbalaji wrote to the Triplicane police questioning the need for his appearance as his name is not featured in the FIR in the alleged MLA poaching attempt case and that he has not absconded.

Police sources said that the letter was sent in response to a summons issued by the Triplicane police directing Senthilbalaji to appear for an inquiry. Initially, Thirunavukkarasu and two others were arrested. The Chennai police alleged that the arrested persons acted on behalf of Senthilbalaji and his brother Ashok Kumar. A meeting in this regard was held at a star hotel in the city, the police said.

The direction was issued by a Division Bench of Justices CV Karthikeyan and S Sakthivel while hearing a petition filed by Narmadha of Gomathipuram in Madurai.

The petitioner submitted that several women employed in private establishments in Tamil Nadu continue to work despite suffering severe menstrual pain and that the State does not have a policy providing paid menstrual leave. Seeking directions to the government, she urged the court to constitute a State-level committee to examine the feasibility of introducing paid menstrual leave and formulate a policy in the interest of women's health and welfare.

The Bench directed the government to furnish details of the members of the committee constituted for framing the rules and adjourned the case by two weeks.

Anbumani on Tuesday alleged that the Centre was supporting Karnataka in the Mekedatu dam issue by stating that Tamil Nadu's approval was not required for the project, calling it a "dangerous conspiracy" against the interests of the State.

Citing previous assurances by former Union ministers Uma Bharti and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat that Karnataka could not proceed without Tamil Nadu's consent, Anbumani accused both the BJP-led Centre and the Congress government in Karnataka of acting against Tamil Nadu's interests.

In a statement, Anbumani referred to a written reply by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary in the Rajya Sabha to a question raised by him. According to the minister's response, the Supreme Court's February 16, 2026 judgment on the Cauvery dispute does not state that Karnataka must obtain the consent of Tamil Nadu, Kerala or Puducherry before undertaking any construction across the Cauvery river.

Rejecting the interpretation, Anbumani argued that the Centre had selectively quoted the judgment while ignoring the continuing validity of the 1892 and 1924 agreements between the Madras and Mysore governments, which, he said, require prior consent from the downstream State before constructing new reservoirs or anicuts.

He further claimed that the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final award did not permit new irrigation projects beyond those already recognised and questioned how the Union government could now claim Tamil Nadu's approval was unnecessary. He also demanded an immediate all-party meeting to decide the State's next legal and political course of action.

The decision was taken at the CWRC meeting held in New Delhi on Tuesday, despite objections from Karnataka citing drought-like conditions. The committee directed Karnataka to ensure the release of 4 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water to Tamil Nadu at the rate of 3,500 cusecs per day for 15 days.

After hearing submissions from both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and taking into account the live storage levels in reservoirs of the two riparian states and the anticipated worsening El Niño conditions, the committee directed Karnataka to maintain a flow of 3,500 cusecs at Biligundlu from 8 am on July 29 for a period of 15 days.

The order comes amid efforts to resolve the long-standing Cauvery water-sharing dispute, with talks expected between the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

During the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) meeting held on June 22, Karnataka had declined Tamil Nadu's request to release water as per the Supreme Court's final award, citing deficient rainfall and drought-like conditions, particularly in and around Bengaluru.

Despite Karnataka's objections, the CWRC has now ordered the release of water, offering relief to Delta farmers who have already been affected during the kuruvai season.

The privatisation will be limited to corporations and municipalities. Sources from the Department of Prohibition and Excise have confirmed the government decision and that necessary legal amendments on Prohibition and Excise Act will be tabled in the ensuing Assembly Session.

The move is largely being read as the beginning of the State government’s intention to close down all Tasmac shops across Tamil Nadu. Once the plan is put into action, around 2,500 shops, including bars, will be operated by private players.

The State has been operating liquor stores for 23 years. It was in the year 2003, during the AIADMK regime, that the government had decided to take over the business of operations of retail liquor shops.

"After the privatisation of shops in urban local bodies, the government wouldn't have to face allegations of excess MRP on bottles. The government will collect a licence fee from private players. This model is based on the one that is followed in neighbouring states like Keralam, Puducherry, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh," an official said.

Tasmac operates 4,048 retail liquor outlets across the State. It is the largest revenue-generating component of the State government. According to the Excise and Prohibition Policy note for 2025-26, the state earned Rs 48,344 crore through excise duty and value-added tax (VAT) on liquor sales during 2024-25. This year, the corporation is eyeing more revenue from the additional levy imposed on liquor suppliers.

Meanwhile, the state government is set to explore various revenue streams to meet the shortcoming that the liquor shop privatisation may bring about.

The desilting of Adyar river was launched at Manapakkam and the South Buckingham Canal near the East Coast Road Old Mahabalipuram Road junction at Sholinganallur.

Officials said the restoration would facilitate the free flow of floodwaters through areas, including Manapakkam, Nandambakkam, Jafferkhanpet, Saidapet, Kotturpuram, and Mylapore during heavy rains.

The minister also launched desilting operations along the South Buckingham Canal at Sholinganallur, where water hyacinth and floating waste have significantly reduced the canal's carrying capacity. The canal serves as a major flood carrier, taking excess rainwater through Okkiyam Maduvu into the Bay of Bengal.

The Water Resources Department said removing aquatic vegetation and accumulated waste would improve drainage, reduce water stagnation, minimise mosquito breeding and help mitigate flooding in nearby residential areas during the monsoon.

Handlooms and Textiles Minister Vijay Balaji, Sholinganallur MLA P Saravanan, Alandur MLA M Harish, senior Water Resources Department officials and representatives of voluntary organisations were present during the launch.

In a social media post, the Opposition party recalled a statement made by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay when he assumed office, in which he had warned party members against misusing power.

"If you think that because we are in power, our party cadres can act beyond limits, I will not sit idle and watch," Vijay said, but what we are seeing is the contrary, AIADMK alleged.

Referring to the Chief Minister's earlier remarks, the AIADMK questioned what action he would take against the MLA over the alleged assault on journalists.

The party alleged that the incident reflected the "arrogance of power" of the ruling TVK government.

The AIADMK also demanded that the injured journalists be provided proper medical treatment and that appropriate action be initiated against those responsible for the attack.

Its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is estimated to rise to Rs 35.29 lakh crore, making it India's second-largest economy after Maharashtra, while per capita income has also grown faster than the rise in borrowings.

Data tabled in the Rajya Sabha by the Union Finance Ministry shows Tamil Nadu's outstanding debt is estimated at Rs 10,42,858 crore in 2025-26 (Budget Estimates), making it the only State to cross the Rs 10-lakh crore mark. Maharashtra follows with Rs 9,37,160 crore, Uttar Pradesh with Rs 8,83,977 crore, Karnataka with Rs 8,14,278 crore, and West Bengal with Rs 7,90,238 crore.

The numbers, however, also point to sustained economic expansion. Tamil Nadu's GSDP is estimated to increase from Rs 26.89 lakh crore in 2023-24 to Rs 31.19 lakh crore in 2024-25 and further to Rs 35.29 lakh crore in 2025-26, registering a cumulative growth of about 31.2% over two years.

Per capita income has also recorded strong growth, rising from Rs 3,13,329 in 2023-24 to Rs 3,61,619 in 2024-25 and is projected to reach Rs 4,08,027 in 2025-26, an increase of about 30.2%.

In comparison, the State's outstanding debt has risen from Rs 8,43,532 crore in 2024 to Rs 9,38,358 crore in 2025 and is projected to touch Rs 10,42,858 crore in 2025-26, reflecting a cumulative increase of about 23.6%. The gap indicates that the State's economy and income levels have expanded at a faster rate than its debt burden over the period.

The figures, based on the Reserve Bank of India's ‘State Finances: A Study of Budgets 2025-26’, were furnished by Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Tamil Nadu remains India's second-largest State economy with a projected GSDP of Rs 35.29 lakh crore, behind Maharashtra's Rs 51 lakh crore. Karnataka is estimated at Rs 32.81 lakh crore, followed by Uttar Pradesh at Rs 30.25 lakh crore, and Gujarat at Rs 29.84 lakh crore.

The state also ranks among the country's leaders in per capita income. Among major states, Tamil Nadu's projected per capita income of Rs 4,08,027 is behind Karnataka's Rs 4,33,326 and Telangana's Rs 4,18,931, underscoring its position as one of India's high-income State economies even as it carries the largest outstanding debt.

Titled ‘Adaptation Roadmap: Human Health’ the report projects that by 2050, the world’s poorest populations will experience the largest increase in heat related mortality despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

It has warned that while wealthier countries could offset rising temperatures through adaptation, millions in India would remain highly vulnerable because of limited access to cooling, making investments in heat adaptation an urgent public health priority. Climate change will widen global health inequalities, with low and middle income countries expected to suffer the highest number of temperature-related deaths as millions of people remain unable to afford basic cooling facilities.

It attributes the disparity not only to rising temperatures but also to lower incomes, weaker healthcare systems, poor housing conditions and limited access to adaptation measures.

India, classified by the World Bank as a lower middle income country, is among the nations identified as facing significant climate related health risks. While India is not expected to record the highest mortality rate per 100,000 people globally, its vast population means that even moderate increases in mortality could translate into tens of thousands of additional deaths every year.

The report says today’s poorest populations were projected to suffer the most from a warming climate because they often lack access to AC, insulated homes, reliable electricity and quality healthcare. These were measures that wealthier populations increasingly rely on to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat.

Researchers observed that adaptation was not only about installing ACs. It also included improving access to cooling centres, expanding green spaces, strengthening public health systems, designing heat resilient cities, introducing early warning systems and ensuring that vulnerable communities received timely support during prolonged heatwaves. However, they emphasised that access to household cooling remained one of the most immediate life saving interventions, particularly in countries where extreme heat was becoming more frequent.

Across Asia, India is among the countries expected to witness increasing temperature related mortality. The study identified Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata as among 95 Asian cities projected to experience an increase of at least 10 temperature related deaths per 100,000 people by 2050, with rapid urbanisation, dense populations and the urban heat island effect expected to amplify the health risks in these areas.

The report noted that South Asia, along with Northern Africa and the Middle East, would remain one of the world’s climate mortality hotspots. Pakistan was projected to experience the largest increase in temperature related mortality in the region, but India’s population size made it one of the countries where adaptation measures could save the greatest number of lives.

The findings come at a time when India continued to witness increasingly intense and prolonged heatwaves. Several states have recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius, with outdoor workers, construction labourers, street vendors, farmers and daily wage earners among those facing the highest risks because they spend long hours outdoors and often have limited-to-no access to cooling.

“Governments must invest in targeted adaptation programmes that prioritise vulnerable populations, particularly in low and middle income countries where public resources remain limited,” the report suggested. “Such measures include heat action plans, expanding tree cover, climate resilient housing, improving electricity access and strengthening emergency medical response during extreme heat events.”

Kurian Joseph, environmental engineer and former Anna University professor, said, “Rising heat exposure poses a serious risk to public health, particularly for children, senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, migrant labourers, outdoor workers, and other vulnerable groups.”

The TN strategy, which led to the formation of a Heat Action Network under the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission, combines immediate measures with long-term interventions to strengthen the state’s resilience to heat. “It focuses on 3 key systems: natural ecosystems, vulnerable livelihoods, and the built-in environment to reduce the impacts of extreme heat. Priority must be health and well-being, sustained resource and economic productivity, and cooling solutions,” he added.

For India, where extreme heat was becoming an increasingly frequent public health emergency, the report concluded that reducing climate-related deaths would depend not only on global efforts to curb emissions but also on ensuring that affordable cooling, resilient infrastructure and accessible healthcare reach the country’s most vulnerable communities. Without such investments, the burden of climate change was likely to fall disproportionately on those least able to protect themselves.

Referring to the 2018 Supreme Court judgment validating the Cauvery water award by the tribunal, he said it had clearly stipulated that no upper riparian State should take any action under the Cauvery water-sharing scheme that would adversely affect the water supply to lower riparian States.

He reiterated the AIADMK's opposition to the proposed Mekedatu dam project and said the party would continue to resist any move that could affect Tamil Nadu's rightful share of Cauvery water.

Palaniswami further said that while the Supreme Court judgment had clearly held that upper riparian States should not undertake any action affecting water supply to lower riparian States, the Union Minister's reply had created anxiety among the people living in the states through which the Cauvery river flows.

He added that the issue is under the consideration of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, and he would take appropriate action.

Meanwhile, Law Minister R Nirmalkumar joined the issue and attacked Leader of Opposition and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, claiming that he doesn't know anything about the Mekedatu issue.

On Tuesday morning, onlookers at Amma Mandapam bathing ghat in the Cauvery river banks in Tiruchy felt a foul smell and noticed several hundred fish lying dead along the bank amidst the garbage.

The locals said that the civic staff, along with the environmental activists, removed the garbage around the bathing ghat to spruce it up for the upcoming Aadi Perukku, which falls on August 3.

The incident on Tuesday raised eyebrows, and the environmental activists suspected the discharge of effluents and sewage into the river might have caused toxic conditions that killed the fish in the river.

“Last week, we removed a few tons of garbage mostly cloths from the Cauvery and there were a few dead fish and we learnt that the excess heat could have been the reason, but this time, the number of dead fish were more and we felt the need to study the situation,” said KC Neelamegam, Executive President, Theneer Organisation, an environmental organisation, Tiruchy.

He said that the people should come forward to protect the sacred river. The volunteers had been removing the garbage periodically, but still, the littering continues.

The information about the incident was passed on to the civic administration, and the staff who reached the spot commenced the cleansing job.

The accused, Somasundaram (28), a resident of Pazhayaseevaram in Kancheepuram, was serving as a Home Guard. He was in a relationship with Sonia (28), a native of Aanambakkam. The couple got married eight months ago and had been living at Somasundaram's house. Sonia was five months pregnant.

According to the police, the couple had been having frequent marital disputes in recent months. On Tuesday morning, an argument broke out again between the couple while Sonia was at her mother's house. During the altercation, Somasundaram allegedly strangled Sonia to death before fleeing the spot.

On information, the Salavakkam police rushed to the spot, recovered Sonia's body, and sent it to the Chengalpattu Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.

The police later traced and arrested Somasundaram, who was hiding in the same area. A case has been registered, and further investigation is under way.

The former union minister's daughter appeared after the police issued a summons as part of the ongoing investigation. Sources said that she was questioned for about two hours and was instructed to remain in the city and to inform the police if she planned to leave the city.

A video of her slapping the manager of SBI at his office in Adyar went viral. According to the police, Kayalvizhi, who owns the commercial building housing the branch, visited the premises after the branch manager raised concerns over a malfunctioning lift.

The police said the branch manager, Harshin Singh, initially reported the faulty lift to the building's maintenance personnel. As the issue remained unresolved, he escalated the matter to Kayalvizhi. During her visit, an argument broke out between the two over the maintenance issue, following which she slapped the manager.

The police had registered a case against Kayalvizhi on charges of assault and criminal intimidation among others.

Justice L Victoria Gowri passed the order on a petition filed by advocate G Thirumurugan, who alleged that the YouTubers associated with Valai Pechu Media had published defamatory and unsubstantiated content against Seeman. The petitioner submitted that despite lodging a complaint on July 2, no FIR had been registered and sought a direction to the police to initiate legal action.

The court observed that consistency in law enforcement constitutes an indispensable component of the rule of law and that the investigating agency is expected to respond with equal promptitude to complaints involving members of the ruling party, the opposition or any other political organisation. It further observed that the neutrality of the police forms the foundation of public confidence in the criminal justice administration.

According to DVAC , the accused, Ramakrishnan, was serving as the officer-in-charge at the Alangayam police station in Tirupattur district. The case originates from a road accident involving a four-wheeler driven by the complainant, Manjunathan, a resident of nearby Ambur.

Following the collision, Manjunathan sought to complete legal procedures to secure his release and retrieve his vehicle. However, the SSI allegedly demanded a sum of Rs 5,000 as illegal gratification and was trapped by the DVAC sleuths. He was subsequently remanded in custody.

The case has been registered under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120(B) (criminal conspiracy) based on a complaint lodged by Chellathurai, joint commissioner and executive officer of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. A complaint submitted by the anti-corruption organisation Arappor Iyakkam also led to the alleged irregularities coming to light.

According to a will registered in 1930 at the Saidapet sub-registrar's office, the Ashoka Vilas Bungalow and its adjoining garden situated on Alagarkoil Road in Madurai belong to a trust established to render services to the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and Alagarkoil, said a police source.

As per the conditions of the will, the property could only be leased out and could not be sold, mortgaged or transferred.

However, the complaint alleges that on June 24, 2016, former Madurai North Tehsildar Anbalagan illegally removed the temple's ownership from the revenue records and transferred the patta in favour of Ramaayi Ayyar and eight others. Following this, former Village Administrative Officer Arasan was placed under suspension, while departmental action and a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption inquiry were recommended against the former Tehsildar.

Subsequently, the Revenue Divisional Officer cancelled the Tehsildar's order, confirmed that the property belonged to the trust attached to the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and Alagarkoil, and ordered that the patta be restored in the name of the temple. A case relating to the property was also filed before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which granted an interim stay.

Despite the court's interim order, the FIR states that a general power of attorney was registered on April 16, 2021, at the Murappanadu sub-registrar's office in Thoothukudi district through sub-registrar Anandaraman. Based on that document, a mortgage deed was subsequently registered on July 19, 2021, at the Vadamadurai sub-registrar's office in Dindigul district by sub-registrar Prashanth Santhana Karuppan.

The FIR, which was registered on 25th July, names 19 persons as accused, including Ramaayi Ayyar, Senthamizh Selvi, Prema, Rajkumar, Muthurani, Rajendran, Kulandhaiya, Pushparaj, Jothi, Geetha, former VAO Arasan, former Tehsildar Anbalagan, Ilayaraja, Anish, Anandaraman, Kavitha, Prakash, Kalikumar and Prashanth Santhana Karuppan.

The accused have been charged with entering into a criminal conspiracy to usurp trust lands belonging to the temple by illegally mutating the patta, registering documents and creating a mortgage in violation of court orders and the provisions of the Registration Act. The Madurai City Central Crime Branch police are conducting a detailed investigation with all those connected to the case.

The online application process for MBBS and BDS admissions closed on Sunday after the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) extended the deadline by 29 hours in the interest of students.

Initially, 70,485 candidates had submitted their applications. Following the extension from 10 am on July 26 to 3 pm on July 27, another 2,142 candidates registered, taking the total number of applications to 72,627.

According to official data, 61,306 candidates from Tamil Nadu qualified in NEET this year. However, the number of applications received for medical counselling is significantly higher than the number of NEET-qualified candidates from the State. Explaining the higher application count, a DME official said, “Many applicants could be students belonging to TN families residing in other states for employment who appeared for NEET outside Tamil Nadu but remain eligible to seek admission in the State. Students from other states may have applied under the management quota in private self-financing medical colleges in TN.”

The State has 16,199 UG medical seats (13,999 MBBS and 2,200 BDS), of which, 5,349 MBBS seats are in government colleges or under the government quota, while 8,650 are under the management quota. Among the BDS seats, 250 are government seats and 1,950 are under the management quota.

Officials said that all nativity certificates and supporting documents would be scrutinised during the verification process to ensure eligibility. Medical counselling will commence after the completion of document verification.

Following strong objections from residents, farmers and other stakeholders, Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja assured the gathering that he would conduct an on-site inspection within a week and announced that construction would remain suspended until then.

During the grievance meeting, residents submitted around 80 petitions to Mayor R Ranganayaki and the Commissioner, urging the Corporation to abandon the proposed STP at the lake. The project has been facing sustained opposition, with residents and farmers staging a hunger strike in recent days demanding that it be scrapped or shifted to another location.

The petitioners argued that the proposed facility could contaminate groundwater, create public health concerns, lead to loss of biodiversity and compromise the lake's future potential to store fresh water. They reiterated their demand that the project be relocated.

Responding to the concerns, Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja said the STP was being constructed in compliance with a court order. However, he assured the residents that he would personally inspect the site within the week and confirmed that construction would remain on hold until the inspection was completed. The assurance brought the protest to a close, with the residents dispersing after the meeting.

On the night of July 26, a woman from Pudhukothampadi, near Attur, received a phone call from a person claiming to be an official from the Attur Tahsildar's office.

The caller claimed that a new disease, similar to COVID-19, was spreading through human hair and that several countries had adopted head tonsure as a preventive measure. To lend credibility to the claim, the fraudster said the state government is offering a cash incentive of Rs 15,000 to women, Rs 45,000 to female college students and Rs 6,000 to men who shaved their heads under a special disease-prevention scheme.

The caller further claimed that only a limited number of tokens were available for residents of Pudhukothampadi, and those who availed of the scheme could collect the money from the Attur Taluk Office.

Shortly afterwards, the woman received WhatsApp messages from the same number containing photographs of women with shaved heads and bundles of Rs 500 notes, as proof that the scheme was genuine. Believing the messages to be authentic, she shared the information with her neighbours.

Acting on the misinformation, three women — Chitra (63), Ramayi (62), and Kaveri (64) — visited a local salon and had their heads shaved. When they later attempted to contact the caller to confirm that they had complied with the instructions, they found the mobile phone had been switched off.

The women realised that they had been deceived only after visiting the Attur Taluk Office on Tuesday to claim the promised money, where officials informed them that no such government scheme existed. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the fraud. A youth has been detained on suspicion and is being questioned in connection with the incident.

“Are TVK MLAs people’s representatives or local goons?” Nainar asked, condemning the alleged assault on journalists outside a theatre in Sholinghur.

He alleged that TVK MLA G Kapil and his supporters attacked journalists when they sought his reaction after he watched Jana Nayagan. “The MLA’s supporters snatched the mobile phones of those who filmed the attack and attempted to destroy evidence. This is the height of arrogance,” he charged.

Nainar accused the Joseph Vijay-led government of seeking to silence critics, arresting those who spoke against the administration and intimidating journalists. Terming it a fascist tendency, he urged the Chief Minister to rein in his party functionaries and ensure the safety of journalists and the public while protecting freedom of expression.

In a separate statement, Nainar hit out at Minister Vanni Arasu for allegedly mistaking the NCC cadets’ greeting “Jai Hind, Sriman” for “Jai Shri Ram” at a recent school function and launching into an attack on the BJP.

He said “Jai Hind, Sriman” was a traditional form of address in the armed forces and uniformed services, which roughly translates into "Victory to India, Sir," made as a mark of a cadet reporting for duty when formally presenting themselves to a senior officer or commander.

“Political rhetoric has no place in schools,” Nainar said, urging Vijay to prevent ministers from spreading hatred against Hinduism among students.

According to an X post by the Chennai Press Club, the incident occurred when Dinamalar reporter Kalyanasundaram and Dinakaran reporter Aranganathan were attempting to film an attack carried out by a group of individuals inside a shop in Sholingur.

Journalists allegedly assaulted by TVK MLA, group

The Press Club alleged that Sholingur MLA Kapil, along with the individuals accompanying him, brutally assaulted the two journalists while they were gathering news.

It further claimed that the incident took place in the presence of Sholingur Assistant Police Inspector Munir Pasha, who allegedly failed to prevent the attack and provide immediate protection to the journalists.

Chennai Press Club calls for strict legal action against journalists' assault

The Club said the attack on journalists carrying out their professional duties amounted to a "direct assault on media freedom and democratic principles."

It further urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to direct the police to arrest all those involved, including MLA Kapil, register cases under appropriate stringent legal provisions, including attempt to murder, and take necessary action.

They also sought registration of cases relating to destruction of evidence over the alleged seizure of the journalists mobile phones, deletion of news footage, obstruction of news gathering and interference in media work.

'Attack on journalists cannot silence democracy'

Reiterating its stand, the Chennai Press Club in its post said attacking journalists could not silence the voice of democracy and asserted that it would never tolerate any form of violence that threatens media freedom.

In his letter, Satheesan highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two states, describing it as one founded on "geographical proximity, cultural affinity and a long tradition of mutual cooperation." He said both governments have consistently worked together in the spirit of cooperative federalism for the welfare and economic development of their people.

Referring to the Tamil Nadu government's Gazette Notification dated July 9, Satheesan said the new regulations governing the inter-state transportation of rough stones and other construction materials had significantly disrupted the supply of stone aggregates from the districts of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari to Keralam.

"These districts have traditionally been the principal source of stone aggregates required for the execution of several National Highway projects in Kerala," the Chief Minister wrote, adding that Keralam has limited availability of suitable stone aggregates for large-scale infrastructure works and therefore depends heavily on supplies from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

He cautioned that the restrictions had adversely affected the supply chain, disrupted construction activities and posed a serious risk of delays in completing several nationally significant infrastructure projects. Satheesan further noted that the National Highway projects would not only improve connectivity within Keralam but also strengthen logistics, trade and tourism across southern India.

He said the projects would provide seamless connectivity to the Vizhinjam International Seaport and the International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam, enhancing the region's economic competitiveness. While acknowledging Tamil Nadu's objective of ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, Satheesan expressed confidence that a balanced solution could be found.

He urged Vijay to consider granting suitable relaxations or evolving an appropriate mechanism to facilitate the uninterrupted transportation of stone aggregates meant exclusively for ongoing National Highway and other nationally important infrastructure projects in Keralam, expressing hope for a positive response and continued cooperation between the two states.

According to the reply by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, 13,092 schools have so far been selected under the centrally sponsored PM SHRI scheme, against the target of over 14,500 schools nationwide.

Taking to his X account, the minister's response stated that 6,102 Sanskrit teachers, 1,994 Urdu teachers and 9,152 teachers for regional languages have been appointed in these schools.

Venkatesan alleged that the PM SHRI data shows 6,102 Sanskrit teachers for a language spoken by around 24,000 people, while Tamil, spoken by nearly 70 million people, has only 12 teachers appointed in Tamil Nadu's PM SHRI schools.

Questions over language policy

Referring to the State-wise data, Venkatesan pointed out that Tamil Nadu has 36 PM SHRI schools, with 41 Sanskrit teachers and only 12 regional language teachers appointed. He alleged that Sanskrit, spoken by a small number of people, had received disproportionate representation compared to Tamil and other State languages.

The Madurai MP further claimed that BJP-ruled States such as Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Odisha had appointed Sanskrit teachers in all PM SHRI schools. In Madhya Pradesh, he noted, 1,211 Sanskrit teachers had been appointed for 944 PM SHRI schools.

Venkatesan alleged that the figures expose the Union government's claim that the three-language policy under the National Education Policy is aimed at promoting Indian and regional languages. He contended that the data instead reflects a preference for Sanskrit and described the Centre's promotion of State languages under the scheme as "a sham."

The Union government has not issued any response to Venkatesan's allegations beyond the written reply tabled in Parliament.

In his letter, the Chief Minister objected to the statement made by the Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti that the Supreme Court's February 16, 2018, judgment does not expressly require Karnataka to obtain the consent of lower riparian States for constructing any structure across the Cauvery. Vijay said the minister’s reply failed to reflect the prevailing legal position and established principles governing the rights of downstream States.

Citing the Constitution Bench judgment in the Alamatti case between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister said the Supreme Court had held that the consent of lower riparian States is essential before undertaking projects on inter-State rivers that could affect downstream interests.

He also referred to the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award and the Supreme Court's 2018 judgment upholding it, arguing that any project capable of altering the regulated flow of the Cauvery must be examined for its consistency with the tribunal's directions.

He noted that the CWDT award prohibits upper riparian States from affecting scheduled water releases without mutual agreement and consultation with the regulatory authority.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the detailed project report for the Mekedatu project, submitted by Karnataka in 2019, had been returned by the Central Water Commission for revision to ensure compliance with the CWDT award and applicable guidelines.

Urging the Prime Minister to protect Tamil Nadu's rights over the Cauvery, Vijay requested that no statutory or administrative approval be granted to the Mekedatu project unless it is demonstrably consistent with the CWDT award and the Supreme Court's judgment.

An official release from DVAC on Tuesday said those convicted were Karunagara Sanjeev Doss, correspondent, and Alice Thabitha Vijay Kumari, Headmistress of Vitva Ratna Villa Government Aided Primary School. They were also fined Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000, respectively.

The scam was unearthed on August 27, 2012, following a joint surprise inspection by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Vellore detachment, alongside inspection cell officers.

Investigations revealed that while the school's actual student strength was significantly lower, official registries were manipulated to reflect an inflated strength of 259 pupils.

By padding the rolls with 187 non-existent students, the duo illegally secured sanction for six excess teaching posts.

They wrongfully drew government benefits, including Rs 4,67,121 toward salaries for the unneeded staff and Rs 2,762 meant for noon meal allocations, causing a total financial loss of over Rs 4.69 lakh to the state exchequer.

Following a detailed investigation, the DVAC filed a chargesheet before the court in Ranipet.

Delivering the verdict on July 27, 2026, the court held both accused guilty of criminal misconduct and misappropriation of public funds, sentencing them to four years of hard labour to reinforce strict accountability in state-aided educational institutions.

According to investigators, the accident happened when a motorcycle travelling across the railway overpass reportedly went out of control. The rider is believed to have lost balance, causing the two-wheeler to veer into the opposite lane and collide head-on with an oncoming luxury bus.

The force of the impact compelled the bus driver to apply the brakes suddenly in an attempt to avoid further damage. However, the abrupt halt triggered a chain collision as a car and a tempo van travelling behind were unable to stop in time and crashed into the vehicles ahead.

The impact left multiple vehicles badly damaged and several occupants trapped inside. The motorcycle rider, identified as Boopathy, a native of Narasingapuram in Villupuram district, died on the spot.

John Anbazhagan (55), a resident of Mudichur in Chennai who was travelling in the car, also succumbed to his injuries at the accident site before medical assistance could reach him. On receiving information, personnel from the Villupuram police station, assisted by local residents, rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations.

Those trapped inside the mangled vehicles were extricated and shifted to safety before emergency medical teams arrived. Three injured persons, identified as Lazar, Solomon and Balaji, the driver of the car, were rushed to the Villupuram Government General Hospital.

Hospital sources said all three sustained serious injuries and remain under intensive medical care. Their condition is reported to be critical. The accident led to heavy traffic congestion on the railway overpass, with vehicle movement disrupted for a considerable period.

Police regulated traffic while cranes were deployed to remove the damaged vehicles and clear the roadway. Normal traffic resumed only after the accident site was fully cleared. Villupuram police have registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the collision. Officials said they are examining eyewitness accounts and other evidence to establish the exact cause of the fatal accident.

With 15.21 lakh passengers travelling on the premium trains during the two-month period, it marked a significant increase over the corresponding period last year.

The revenue is higher than the Rs 119.52 crore earned from 11.41 lakh passengers during April and May of the 2025-26 financial year, marking an increase of Rs 43.44 crore.

Network operation across cities

Vande Bharat trains are being operated to connect major cities across India. Southern Railway, which comprises the Chennai, Tiruchy, Madurai, Salem, Palakkad and Tiruvananthapuram divisions, introduced its first Vande Bharat service between Chennai and Mysuru in 2022.

At present, Southern Railway operates Vande Bharat trains on routes including Chennai Central-Mysuru, Chennai Egmore-Tirunelveli, Chennai Central-Vijayawada, Coimbatore-Bengaluru, Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil, Madurai-Bengaluru and Mangaluru-Tiruvananthapuram.

In a circular issued to the managing directors of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) and all Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations, Transport Department Secretary L Nirmal Raj directed them to immediately implement passenger etiquette guidelines and create awareness among commuters.

Recently, CMRL decided to crack down on on-board noise with stricter penalties. In a social media post, it announced that passengers travelling on the Chennai Metro or waiting at stations could face a fine of up to Rs 2,500 for playing music or videos without headphones, using speaker mode or creating disturbances.

The circular said drivers should ensure that loud music is not played inside buses, as mandated under Rule 5(10) of the Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017. It also cited Rule 228 of the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, under which any act causing inconvenience or disturbance to fellow passengers is considered misconduct.

Passengers have been advised not to speak loudly on mobile phones throughout the journey, use speaker mode during calls, or play videos and songs without earphones or headphones. The circular said passengers should use wired or Bluetooth earphones or headphones so that their mobile phone use does not disturb others.

The government has also instructed transport corporations to paste awareness stickers measuring 24 cm x 16 cm inside all buses at the front entrance, centre and rear entrance. The stickers will carry messages such as "No Speaker Mode. Please Use Earphones/Headphones", "Respect Other Passengers" and "Quiet Travel, Safe Travel". They will also promote the TNSTC mobile application for ticket bookings.

The circular further directed drivers, conductors and supervisory staff to sensitise passengers about the guidelines during their shifts and ensure they are implemented across all State-run buses.

The accused, identified as, Thenmaria Suganthi (44), teaches Class 11 students at the higher secondary government school in VK Puthur area near Surandai in the district. On Monday evening, while she was conducting a special class, Class 10 students in another classroom nearby were allegedly talking loudly. In a fit of rage, Thenmaria went to their classroom and beat them with a cane, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

Students' hands swollen after beating from teacher's cane

Some of the students, identified as Pavithra, Sujithra, Saranya, Saisree, Asha, and Chandana Muthumari, suffered injuries after the beating. Pictures showed some of their bandaged hands, indicating serious injuries.

Upon hearing of the incident, their parents rushed them to hospitals for treatment. Pavithra and Sujithra were initially receiving treatment at VK Puthur Government Hospital. Pavithra was later shifted to the Tenkasi Government Hospital for further treatment, while Saranya, Saisree, Asha and Chandana Muthumari are being treated at a private hospital.

The children are resting and unable to attend school because their hands are still swollen, according to their parents.

Case filed against teacher who beat students with cane

Pavithra’s mother Rajathi later filed a police complaint at VK Puthur police station. Based on it, the police registered a case against Thenmaria under Section 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as sections related to child protection.

Rajathi also visited the district Collector's office and filed a complaint against the teacher, demanding appropriate action against her. "We want justice as my daughter Pavithra is unable to write the mid-term exams due to her injury."

She also alleged that no action has been taken against the teacher despite the police complaint.

Describing the reply given to PMK president and Rajya Sabha MP Anbumani Ramadoss as a "signal" to facilitate the Mekedatu project, Vaiko contended that the Supreme Court's 2018 verdict had unequivocally upheld the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Karnataka can't construct Mekedatu without the approval of Cauvery lower riparian states, including Tamil Nadu.

Quoting Clause XVIII of the tribunal's directions, which was reproduced and endorsed by the apex court, Vaiko said the order empowers every state to regulate and utilise water within its boundaries only in a manner that is not inconsistent with the tribunal's award.

He also cited the tribunal's direction that the upper riparian State "shall not take any action so as to affect the scheduled deliveries of water to the lower riparian states", arguing that Karnataka cannot undertake any project, including the proposed Mekedatu dam, that would impede the flow of Cauvery water allocated to Tamil Nadu.

According to Vaiko, the central principle of both the tribunal's award and the Supreme Court's judgment is that Karnataka's actions should not affect the water-sharing arrangement or the scheduled releases due to Tamil Nadu.

Alleging that the BJP-led Union government was attempting to dilute the tribunal's award and the Supreme Court's judgment to enable the Mekedatu project, Vaiko condemned what he termed a "deceptive attempt" to grant approval for the dam.

He urged the Tamil Nadu government to remain vigilant and asserted that there should be no direct negotiations with Karnataka on the Mekedatu project. He also called upon the State government to safeguard Tamil Nadu's rights as the lower riparian State and prevent any attempt, with the support of the Union government, to deprive it of its legitimate share of Cauvery waters.

He alleged that the Union government's reply in the Rajya Sabha to a question raised by PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss could pave the way for Karnataka to secure approval for the proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery.

Vaiko referred to the reply given by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary, which stated that the Supreme Court's February 16, 2018 judgment on the Cauvery dispute does not mandate Karnataka to obtain the consent of Tamil Nadu, Kerala or Puducherry before constructing any structure across the river.

The Union Minister had also stated that the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final award permits each basin state to regulate the use of water within its territorial limits, utilise it for drinking water and other requirements, and implement projects, subject to the tribunal's directions.

The scheme mandates that school students must be served one item from a list of 13 approved breakfast dishes every day, as reported by Daily Thanthi.

The free breakfast scheme is currently implemented for students of Classes 1 to 6 studying in government and government-aided schools across the state.

What are the tender conditions for free breakfast scheme?

The tender conditions are as follows:

• Students should be served one of the 13 approved breakfast items, such as rava upma with sambar.

• The meal should weigh between 150 and 200 grams and provide 294 kilocalories.

• The government has directed that hot food, transported in insulated hot boxes, be delivered to schools by 7.30 am.

• The quality of the food will be monitored by Food Safety Department officials and through third-party inspections.

• Each month, the contractor would be paid only after receiving the headmaster's certificate.

Free breakfast menu and expenditure details

Under the scheme, students are served upma, khichdi, or pongal on weekdays, while rava kesari or semiya kesari is served on Fridays. Locally available millets are featured on the menu at least twice a week.

The government spends over Rs 12.71 per child per breakfast.

Free breakfast scheme expansion plans

After pioneering the initiative to provide free meal to ensure that children were sent to school by parents, which later became a model for the country and the world, late chief minister K Kamaraj finally got due credit after the TVK government last week decided to name the free breakfast scheme after the Congress leader.

The government also announced that the expansion of the scheme to include students of Classes 7 and 8 will be launched on September 17. Incidentally, the government order was dated July 15, Kamaraj’s birth anniversary, and the expansion will be launched on September 17, the birth anniversary of Dravidian icon Periyar EV Ramasamy.

This is also considered to be a deft political move by the alliance leader TVK, as the move would endear itself with the Congress, a key constituent in the ruling coalition.

The expansion of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme will benefit 15,14,274 students studying in 15,454 government schools across the State. The government has allocated Rs 217.63 crore for the expansion, as per the government order.

(With inputs from Bureau)

Manonmaniam students protest change in degree distribution

Tension prevailed after the organisers made a last-minute announcement that the governor would confer medals only on 113 gold medallists, instead of all 871 students. However, when he learnt about the students' disappointment, he reversed the decision and conferred awards on all 817 students at the ceremony.

The governor apologised to the students for the inconvenience caused and praised them for their "good sanskaras".

Minister, MLAs boycott Manonmaniam convocation ceremony

"Many times people speak ill of the younger generation. Nowadays we are tempted to call them Gen-Z. In recent times, we have seen what happened at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. I am comparing the Gen-Z there with my young, capable and experienced students here. What a big difference," he said.

The governor further said, "You have got all the talents and got all the sanskaras from your families, your schools and this university, which they didn't have. Their demands may be just, but the sanskaras they displayed certainly did not reflect your culture and nature."

"We have a rich culture to follow, and Tamil Nadu has always shared that culture with the rest of the nation. What you have shown today should be replicated throughout the country," Arlekar said.

The Governor also revealed he had been informed that some people might create trouble during the convocation. "Ignoring everything, you are present here. “I am proud of you,” he added.

Referring to the absence of pro-chancellor Viswanathan and senior State government officials, Arlekar said, "They should have come here to see the satisfaction on your faces, which makes me very happy."

Interestingly, chief guest B Madhusoodhana Kurup, founding vice-chancellor of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, said, "Every official function in Tamil Nadu begins with ‘Tamil Thaai Vazhthu’, as a tribute to the Tamil language."

Tamil Nadu Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, who was scheduled to receive his post-doctoral degree at the convocation, did not attend the function.

Amidst a severe shortage of water afflicting the state, especially the Cauvery delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam, marring the prospects of raising the short-term Kuruvai paddy crop, and with the customary opening of the Mettur dam on June 12 getting postponed due to inadequate water storage level, the famers have demanded the state government to explore legal options against Karnataka rather than hold diplomatic talks.

Farmer representatives who attended a consultative meeting with state Agriculture Minister R Vinoth here on Monday have sought the cancellation of talks between the two states. The representatives of the Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers' Association argued that direct negotiations would bypass the established legal protocol and contradict the Supreme Court verdict.

The opposition DMK, which has registered a strong protest to the diplomatic talks, has demanded the state government to strive for establishing a dedicated tribunal to resolve the Cauvery water dispute, and obtain the state's rightful share of the Cauvery water.

In its landmark 2018 judgment, the Supreme Court constituted the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee as the statutory mechanisms to regulate and implement water-sharing between the two states.

Between June 1 and July 22, 2026, Tamil Nadu received only 3.5 TMC ft of water against the 31 TMC ft it was entitled to under the Supreme Court-mandated schedule.

The CM's proposed visit also comes in the wake of the Centre on Monday stating that Karnataka does not require Tamil Nadu's consent or that of other riparian states to construct the Mekedatu balancing reservoir.

Responding to a question from PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss in the Parliament, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary told the Rajya Sabha that the 2018 Supreme Court judgment contained no clause requiring Karnataka to obtain clearance from the lower riparian states before constructing structures across the Cauvery river.

"As per the Supreme Court judgment dated February 16, 2018, regarding the Cauvery water dispute, there is no mention that State of Karnataka has to obtain the consent of the other riparian States namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala and UT of Puducherry to construct any kind of structure across river Cauvery.

Hon'ble Supreme Court in its Order has found the Clause XVIII of Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) Award of 2007 appropriate and reiterated in its Order that nothing in the order of this Tribunal shall impair the right or power or authority of any State to regulate within its boundaries the use of water or to enjoy the benefit of waters within that State in a manner not inconsistent with the order of this Tribunal" he had said.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-drinking water project that Karnataka submitted in 2019 has been returned to the project authority with the request to submit the revised DPR in compliance with the CWDT Award and as per the extant CWC guidelines, he added.