What rituals are being held ahead of the Maha Kumbabhishekam?

Preliminary and special pujas have been underway since September 6, while the 12-year Yagasala pujas are being conducted at the specially constructed Yagasala on the temple premises.

The Yagasala rituals will continue until September 16, with regular darshan inside the sanctum restricted during this period. Devotees will be allowed entry through the outer areas.

The main ceremony will be held between 7.40 am and 8.10 am on September 17. Holy water will first be poured over the golden vimanas of Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar, followed by the Rajagopurams, according to a Maalaimalar report.

What arrangements have been made for devotees?

Extensive security arrangements have been made across Madurai, with thousands of police personnel deployed for the event. More than 200 facial recognition and CCTV cameras have been installed, while surveillance cameras have been installed on major roads. Round-the-clock control rooms have also been set up.

Temporary bus stands, special transport facilities and parking spaces for around 8,000 vehicles have been arranged at various locations. The HR&CE Department will also live-stream the ceremony, with LED screens installed at Periyar bus stand and Mattuthavani integrated bus stand.

Entry passes for the main ceremony will be issued through a lottery system to prevent overcrowding, with around 2,000 passes earmarked for the public through an online allotment system.

What facilities are being provided?

Basic amenities, including drinking water and temporary toilets, have been arranged for devotees.

For the first time, pipes have also been laid to provide drinking water, Tamil Nadu Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar said after inspecting the arrangements with temple officials. About 6,000 staff have been deployed for the event, he added.

Why has Madurai declared a local holiday?

With several lakh devotees expected to arrive from across Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country to attend the Maha Kumbabhishekam, the Madurai district administration has declared September 16 and 17 as local holidays to facilitate their movement, ensure safety and ease traffic.

The holidays apply to government and private schools, colleges and government offices in the district. Quarterly and semester examinations scheduled for these dates have been postponed and will begin from September 18.

To compensate, two Saturdays in October will be working days, while September 24 has also been declared a working day, the Maalaimalar report added.

(With extra inputs from PTI)

The 32-year-old coconut harvester lost his hand after he was brutally attacked with a sickle following a dispute over work at an agricultural farm near Dharapuram on Friday, the police said.

The victim, identified as Muniyandi, hailing from Dindigul district, had recently joined work at an agricultural farm owned by Easwaran near Goundachipalayam, according to the police.

Ranjith (32), a resident of Vellode near Perundurai, had been working as a coconut harvester at the same farm for several years.

A dispute broke out between Ranjith and Muniyandi over coconut harvesting work. Enraged during the altercation, Ranjith attacked Muniyandi with a sickle, severing his hand.

Writhing in pain, Muniyandi placed his severed hand inside a plastic cover and rushed to the Dharapuram government hospital via a private ambulance.

However, due to the lack of adequate surgical facilities for reattachment at the Dharapuram hospital, doctors placed the severed hand in an ice box and urgently referred him to the Coimbatore Government Hospital for advanced treatment.

The Mulanur Police have registered a case and are further investigating the incident.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the former union minister welcomed the state’s directive ordering all public servants, teachers, and judicial staff to submit their asset returns by October 31 as a commendable step toward curbing corruption.

However, he emphasized that restricting this rule to government staff while exempting political leaders will fail to eliminate corruption from public administration.

He said under the amended Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, staff are required to submit detailed disclosures of both movable and immovable assets, as well as liabilities, registered in their names or under family members through the Integrated Financial and Human Resource Management System (IFHRMS).

Calling for complete political accountability, Anbumani said politicians must set an example for civil servants, as administrative corruption will naturally decline if elected leaders remain transparent.

He demanded that the state enforce mandatory annual asset disclosures in the public domain for all elected representatives every January 1 for social auditing.

Furthermore, he urged the government to frame rules requiring representatives to publicly explain any year-on-year asset growth exceeding a set threshold, and to bring top leaders under the Lokayukta framework to ensure true public integrity.

In a statement, Anbumani highlighted that the scheme originally launched for Classes 1 to 5 in government primary schools in September 2022 and later extended to government-aided schools in August 2023 is set to be expanded up to Class 8 on September 17.

"However, the government has mandated that headmasters arrange basic necessities without allocating any financial support," he alleged.

Citing department circulars, he said schools have been asked to install new nameboards mounted on steel frames, resolve infrastructure deficiencies in kitchens and storage spaces, and arrange drinking water, lighting, and utensils, including plates and glasses for students.

Depending on student strength, these requirements are expected to cost between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 per school, the former union minister said.

"It is shocking that the government, which has allocated hundreds of crores for the breakfast scheme, has not provided a single rupee for these initial arrangements," Anbumani said, adding that forcing headmasters to bear the financial burden is unjust and unmanageable.

Drawing parallels with direct procurement centers and state-run liquor outlets where lack of government funding for basic operations led to corruption, the PMK leader warned that extending such practices to educational institutions would compromise integrity and discipline.

The PMK leader also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular issued by District Educational Officers (DEOs) and urged the state government to directly fund all initial setup costs, including utensils and signage.

Accusing CM Vijay of failing to answer questions raised in the Assembly, he accused the ruling side of attempting to undermine the DMK president's political history.

Raja also hit out at Minister R Nirmalkumar over his remarks questioning whether Stalin was arrested under MISA. Recalling Stalin's imprisonment during the Emergency, Raja said the DMK would not accept any attempt to deny or belittle the sacrifices made by its leaders.

Raja also made certain uncouth remarks about Minister Nirmalkumar raising doubts about Stalin's MISA arrest, which led to condemnation.

At a protest in north Chennai, former Minister PK Sekarbabu claimed that the Assembly was the safest place for CM Vijay to make such false remarks. He said the DMK was like a wounded tiger and would give a fitting reply.

In south Chennai, the DMK staged a protest near the Kalaignar Arch in Saidapet, with more than 1,000 party cadres raising slogans against Chief Minister Vijay.

The container truck had reportedly broken down and was stranded on the road while travelling from Poonamallee towards Red Hills, police said. 

Upon impact, Muthu’s truck cabin was severely mangled, trapping him inside. Personnel from Avadi Fire and Rescue Services used gas cutters and other equipment to retrieve his body after a six-hour operation. The body was sent to Tiruvallur GH for post-mortem. Avadi Traffic Investigation Police registered a case and are conducting an inquiry. 

In another accident near Red Hills, Mohanapriya (36) of Sholavaram was killed after a truck rear-ended her two-wheeler. Police said that her two children, Rithika (8) and Sanjay (6), survived with injuries. They were admitted to a private hospital for treatment while Mohanapriya’s body was sent to Stanley GH for post-mortem. The truck driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.

Red Hills TIW (Traffic Investigation Wing) have registered a case and are investigating. 

The three election observers are N Anand, KA Sengottaiyan and CTR Nirmal Kumar.

For Madurantakam (Reserved), Aadhav Arjuna has been appointed in-charge, with B Rajkumar, K Thennarasu and R Vinoth as co-in-charges. P Saravanamurthy, S Thiagarajan, B Vijayaraj, Kamatchi and M S Balaji alias Manikandan have been appointed deputy in-charges.

For Dharapuram (Reserved), KG Arunraj has been appointed in-charge, with M Vijay Balaji, C Vijayalakshmi and Lokesh Tamilselvan as co-in-charges. S Balamurugan, V Sathyabhama, K Ramkumar, CS Dileep and M Sathya have been appointed deputy in-charges.

The party said the teams would carry out election-related work in their respective constituencies, while the observers would oversee the work across both seats. It urged party cadres to extend their cooperation to the teams, as per an official statement.

Vijay also called on party members to work towards securing victory for TVK candidates under the party's 'Whistle' symbol and achieving the largest victory margin in the history of by-elections.

The party said it would soon organise public outreach programmes in the two constituencies in support of its candidates.

TVK fields Maragatham Kumaravel, Sathyabama for Madurantakam, Dharapuram bypolls

The ruling TVK has named former AIADMK MLAs K Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama as its candidates for the October 6 bypolls to Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) Assembly constituencies, respectively, fulfilling the assurance given to the two leaders when they resigned their Assembly seats and joined the party.

Maragatham Kumaravel, who represented Madurantakam, and Sathyabama, who represented Dharapuram, had quit the AIADMK and resigned as MLAs on May 25 before joining the TVK. Their resignations led to the two constituencies falling vacant.

When will the 2 TN bypolls be held?

The bypolls are politically significant as they will be the first electoral test for the three-month-old TVK government. The Election Commission has fixed October 6 as polling day, with counting scheduled for October 9. The nomination process begins on September 9 and ends on September 16.

The Madurantakam constituency has 2,11,295 voters, including 1,03,943 men, 1,07,288 women and 64 third-gender voters. The Model Code of Conduct has already come into force in the constituency.

When will bypolls be held for 5 other TN seats?

The two seats are among seven vacancies in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The EC, however, has not announced polls for Tiruchy East, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai, Perundurai, and Karur, where election-related cases concerning the returned candidates are pending. The restraint on holding by-elections in these five constituencies has been extended till September 8.

(With inputs from Bureau)

In a statement, Seeman questioned the need to spend around Rs 1,200 crore on a new Secretariat when the state government was facing financial constraints. He said the government had cited lack of space and traffic congestion at the existing Secretariat at Fort St George as reasons for considering a shift, but Pattinapakkam was itself facing severe traffic congestion.

He pointed out that the area had several schools, colleges, commercial establishments, places of worship and fishing-related businesses, with thousands of people using its narrow roads every day. The proposed Secretariat, he said, could further worsen congestion and affect schoolchildren and the public.

Seeman also questioned whether adequate space would be available at the proposed site for government departments, the Assembly, accommodation for ministers and MLAs, parking and other public amenities. He asked whether the location could support the government's stated vision of a Secretariat that would meet its requirements for the next 100 years.

Citing the risk of tsunamis and projections of sea-level rise, Seeman argued that Pattinapakkam was unsuitable for a long-term government complex.

Alleging that the decision appeared to favour the Chief Minister's personal convenience, Seeman termed it a "Thuglaq durbar". He warned that the NTK would mobilise people from the nine fishing hamlets and launch a major protest if the government did not withdraw the proposal.

Seeman assured the fishing communities that the NTK would oppose the project and work with residents to protect their live.

Speaking after the party’s state executive committee meeting, Shanmugam said a detailed discussion was held on the political approach the party should adopt towards the two bypolls.

“As an important political decision has to be taken, we have decided to convene the state committee and take a decision with its approval. An emergency state committee meeting will be held in Tiruchy at 10.30 am on Sunday,” he said.

He said the state committee would take the final decision on the party’s position and the outcome would be announced by 2 pm on Sunday.

Asked about the CPI’s view that the bypolls were unnecessary and whether the CPM shared the view, Shanmugam said the party had already criticised the resignations of the MLAs that led to the vacancies.

“We had already stated our views when the MLAs resigned. We had criticised it as unhealthy politics and political opportunism. There is no change in our view,” he said.

On whether the CPM would support any party or extend outside support to the ruling party, Shanmugam said all aspects would be discussed at Sunday’s state committee meeting and the party’s final decision would be announced thereafter.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, T Nagarajan made the announcement after visiting Solomon Pappaiah's residence in Madurai and consoling his family following the scholar's death.

Who was Solomon Pappaiah?

Solomon Pappaiah (90) died on Friday (September 10) due to age-related ailments.

A native of Madurai, he was known for his Pattimandarams (debate) programmes and Tamil literary lectures. He had served as a Tamil professor at the American College in Madurai and had written commentaries on ancient Tamil literature, including the Thirukkural.

His body was kept at the Madurai Webb Memorial Church for public homage in the presence of relatives. He was later cremated with state honours at the Thathaneri electric crematorium. Ministers Nirmalkumar and Viswanathan paid their last respects on behalf of the government

With festival holidays such as Vinayagar Chaturthi and Deepavali approaching, the demand for train tickets has surged, with a large number of passengers trying to book tickets through the Indian Railways’ Tatkal system.

IRCTC website server problems

On Friday, a large number of passengers logged on to the IRCTC website to book tickets under the Tatkal quota. When Tatkal booking for non-AC coaches opened at around 11 am, thousands of users attempted to access the website simultaneously, reportedly causing the site to crash.

The website remained inaccessible from 11 am to around 11:20 am, with several passengers receiving an error message stating, “Request could not be processed due to high traffic.” As a result, passengers were unable to enter their details or complete their payments.

By the time the website returned to normal, most Tatkal tickets had reportedly been sold out, with the remaining tickets moving to the waiting list, leaving thousands of passengers disappointed.

Passengers seek solution

Passengers allege that technical issues during Tatkal bookings have become a recurring problem. They have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to address the issue, improve server capacity and ensure uninterrupted ticket-booking services, particularly during periods of high demand.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the deceased was identified as Maria Velcia (26), living in Dindigul. She was to marry Jebapastin (29), from the Vellode area of Dindigul district, at the Vellode Christian Church on Sunday.

The accident occurred around 3 am on the Dindigul-Madurai four lane National Highway in Vadipatti.

Jebapastin was reportedly riding the motorcycle with Velcia when a car travelling from Coimbatore to Madurai suffered a sudden tyre burst and lost control before hitting the bike.

The impact threw both Jebapastin and Velcia from the motorcycle. Velcia died on the spot, while Jebapastin sustained injuries and was taken to the Madurai Government Hospital for treatment.

Further investigation is underway.

Claiming lack of official records to prove the DMK's historic assertion on "Emergency-era martyr status" for Stalin, state Energy Resources and Law Minister Nirmal Kumar refuted the argument directly disputing the long-standing narrative that the DMK president was arrested under the stringent Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the 1975–77 Emergency.

Speaking to reporters here after inspecting the preparations for the renowned Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple consecration ceremony, which is scheduled for September 17, the Minister asserted that no official detention order copy existed to substantiate Stalin's claims of being a MISA detainee.

"No detention copy, no MISA arrest", Nirmal Kumar alleged accusing the opposition DMK of "overreacting and attempting to project Stalin as a political martyr based on unverified historical claims."

"The fundamental question is whether he was detained under MISA or not," Kumar stated.

"If anyone is arrested under such an act, there will always be a formal detention order copy. Does Stalin or the DMK have that detention copy? He will end up being the only martyr without one," he said.

The minister dismissed the defense, noting that the ongoing 40-year controversy only hurts the DMK the more they repeatedly bring it up.

He suggested that Stalin was likely arrested on entirely different legal grounds during that era rather than under the emergency act.

The Minister further criticised DMK's reliance on secondary documents, such as historical excerpts from the Sarkaria Commission or articles printed in the party mouthpiece Murasoli, stating that news reports and witness statements cannot substitute for missing official state detention orders.

Kumar's remarks follow days of intense friction in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Tensions escalated after Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay cited Sarkaria Commission documents and made jaw gesture referring to the MISA arrests, prompting protests, slogan-shouting, and the eventual eviction of DMK legislators from the House.

Stalin recently defended his prison record in a public video, recounting severe custodial abuse and a fractured jaw while in jail.

Turning his focus to immediate political battles in the by-polls, Nirmal Kumar targeted both the DMK and AIADMK over candidate selections for upcoming by-elections.

He specifically criticised DMK candidate Paranthaman, calling him an "outsider" who failed to serve his former constituency - Egmore.

"The party relies heavily on spending massive sums of money using the notorious 'Thirumangalam formula' to sway voters," Nirmal Kumar alleged and added that the public will sees through these tactics and will decisively reject them at the ballot box.

Senior leader PK Sekar Babu, leading the protest here, praised Stalin for his "sacrifices, personality, and for being humane," and also lauded him as "Mr Clean," who followed ethics and values.

Such an unblemished leader was targeted in the Assembly by the TVK-led government and DMK objected to Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar's claims vis-a-vis Stalin's incarceration during the infamous Emergency (1975-77), he said.

Babu dismissed CM Vijay's recent allegations of corruption during the DMK regimes led by Karunanidhi and Stalin as mere "cinema style dialogues delivered for about an hour," in the Assembly.

Though the DMK objected to such allegations in the House, permission was not granted for Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin to refute them, he claimed, adding, "The DMK is an injured tiger that is standing in the field and one day, everything will be paid back in the same coin."

The DMK had days ago said that Vijay's speech in the Assembly was strongly condemnable as it trivialised the party, five-time chief minister Karunanidhi, late union minister Murasoli Maran and the sacrifices of party chief Stalin.

A combative Vijay targeted the DMK in the Assembly on September 7 for alleged serious, organised corruption during its previous regimes.

Vijay relied on the Sarkaria Commission report to target the DMK government led by Karunanidhi decades ago. The CM had made a reference to Maran as well in this connection.

The CM cited ED's official documents shared with the state government over alleged corruption during DMK's 2021-26 regime and named then CM Stalin and his deputy Udhayanidhi in this regard.

According to Law Minister Nirmal Kumar, there was no official record to indicate that Stalin's detention during the Emergency was under the MISA. The minister had indicated that Stalin was arrested following remarks on late PM Indira Gandhi and her 20-point programme, which was announced following proclamation of Emergency, by the then Congress-led government at the Centre.

Meanwhile, Kumar on Saturday challenged Stalin to produce his official detention order copy, disputing the long-standing Dravidian party's claim that the former chief minister was imprisoned under MISA during the Emergency.

In Tiruchirappalli, former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh alleged that CM Vijay's "speech and looks" reminded one of Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany, and some ministers also followed the toolkit of Joseph Goebbels in peddling lies.

Senior leader A Raja, leading a demonstration here, rejected allegations levelled by the TVK regime and used strong words to condemn the ruling party and the chief minister.

The former union minister objected to Kumar's comment questioning Stalin's detention under the MISA and slammed him for questioning the integrity of his leader.

Raja then launched an abrasive personal attack on Kumar and dared him to file a case. He recalled his Parliament speech in the past on the alleged torture endured by Stalin during the Emergency in jail and underlined that the DMK chief had then been imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act.

When he made that statement, none of the leaders in the House, including those from the BJP doubted it. "Did anyone claim that it was a flase claim," he asked.

Raja also made a scathing attack on CM Vijay for his "jaw crushing" hand gesture and asked if he joined politics to shake his "hand and leg." He said the CM had no answers to any one of the questions posed by his party.

In the agitations held by the DMK, slogans were raised asking if the State Assembly was a "film shooting spot" for the TVK government and slammed Vijay asking him to "not deceive the people."

"Do not stick to diversion tactics, answer people's questions, the Assembly is not a cinema hall to deliver dialogues and perform action sequences, open your mouth CM Sir," were among the other slogans raised.

Strongly reacting to the statewide protest, TVK slammed the DMK leaders for speeches made with "vengeance, in a vulgar manner without dignity."

In a statement, the TVK hit out at DMK office-bearers for forgetting party founder CN Annadurai's principles of "duty, dignity, and discipline."

The TVK IT Wing said: "The corrupt slaves of Arivalayam (DMK headquarters) who carry in their hearts the evil force's principle of corruption, exploitation, and bribery will find the honest rule of the pure force (TVK) as bitter."

The past fake historical chapters of the evil force has been "exposed page by page" and no matter how furiously they scream or how loudly they wail, the evil forces can no longer win the hearts of the people. It is certain that the people are going to teach the evil forces a lesson once again.

Bypolls to two Assembly constituencies are scheduled to be held next month.

The ruling party also referred to Kumar's challenge asking "where is the detention copy" and castigated the DMK once again for peddling what it called fake narratives.

The State government has been according State honours during the final rites of Tamil scholars, writers and personalities from the film industry. Following this practice, the government announced State honours for Pappaiah.

The deceased was identified as Nikhil Reddy from Kadapa, who completed MBBS and was pursuing an MS degree at a private medical college near Kelambakkam. He was staying in a rented apartment on the 14th floor near the college along with some of his fellow students.

When the results of the final-year examinations were released on Thursday night, Nikhil found that he failed in two subjects, which left him dejected. His friends consoled and encouraged him before they went to bed.

Around 7 am on Friday, Nikhil allegedly got up and went to the balcony of the apartment and jumped from the building.

Residents who were out for a morning walk and security guards rushed to the spot and immediately called for an ambulance. However, he had died on the spot.

A team from Kelambakkam police went to the spot and sent Nikhil’s body to Chengalpattu Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. His parents in Andhra Pradesh were also informed.

The Kelambakkam police have registered a case and are conducting further investigation.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call --- Sneha, Chennai: 91-44-2464 0050, 91-44-2464 0060; Maithri, Cochin: +91 239 6272; Sumaitri, New Delhi: 2338 9090; Aasra, Mumbai: 9820466726; Fortis MentalHealth: 8376804102.

Palaniswami said the proposed location, along Santhome Road adjoining the Pattinapakkam beach, was already heavily congested. The area has fishermen's settlements, residential neighbourhoods, schools and significant vehicular movement, and the construction of a major administrative complex could further worsen traffic congestion and inconvenience residents, he said.

He recalled that during the AIADMK governments led by former Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, efforts had been made to identify a suitable location for a new Secretariat without space constraints or traffic-related problems.

He urged the government to drop the proposal and consider constructing a new Secretariat only after the State's financial position improved. Any future site, he said, should be selected carefully to ensure that it does not create traffic problems or cause hardship to residents.

CPI calls for stir; CPM seeks all-party meet

Despite supporting the TVK government from the outside, the CPI has announced it will stage a protest at Pattinapakkam on Saturday against CM Vijay's pet project to construct a new Secretariat complex on the Marina, in the middle of a fishing community, while the CPM has sought an all-party meeting over the issue.

The Left party demanded that the project be scrapped at the present site and an alternative location identified. The protest will be led by CPI south Chennai district secretary SK Siva at 11 am near the Loop Road junction bus terminus at Pattinapakkam. CPI state secretary M Veerapandian will address the protest.

The party has said the proposed project would affect the residential areas and livelihood of fishing communities in the locality. It has demanded that all work related to the project be stopped immediately and a suitable alternative site be selected.

Meanwhile, CPM sought an all-party meeting over the issue. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam said the government should not rush into a decision on a project intended to serve as a long-term administrative complex. He said fishing villages surrounding the proposed site had already expressed strong opposition.

"Since all major government offices are currently within Chennai, shifting the Secretariat and Assembly outside the city is also not appropriate. The government should convene an all-party meeting and identify a location acceptable to all. Until then, no work should begin at the site currently selected," he said.

In an order issued by Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar on Friday, it was stated that N Subbaiyan, Secretary of the Social Justice Department, would hold the post of Agriculture Secretary as an additional charge.

In another development, the home department shunted out R Stalin, superintendent of Kanniyakumari district and posted Anshul Nagar, deputy commissioner of Tirunelveli city, as the new SP of Kanniyakumari. Stalin was not given any posting.

Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan also offered floral tributes and took to 'X' to recall Sekaran's courageous voice against social disparities.

"Having participated in the freedom struggle at a young age, he continued to strive to establish equality and social justice even after independence," the Vice-President stated.

He further added that Sekaran's ideals of building a society filled with harmony are forever memorable, noting, "May the life and sacrifice of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran continue to inspire us to strengthen unity and brotherhood in our society."

State Ministers R NirmalKumar and KG Arunraj laid wreaths at Sekaran's memorial in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram district, on behalf of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

Taking to the microblogging site 'X', CM Vijay hailed Sekaran as a brave martyr who fought for the country's independence and against social inequalities.

"Let us take a pledge on this day to walk in the path shown by him to create a society full of equality and self-respect," he said.

DMK chief and former Chief Minister MK Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin commemorated Sekaran's lifelong struggle for the educational, economic, and equal rights of marginalised communities.

They noted the previous state government's efforts to cement his legacy, including marking his centenary as a state event and inaugurating a memorial with a bronze statue in Paramakudi last year.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami remembered Sekaran as the voice of the oppressed who fought to eradicate untouchability.

He highlighted Sekaran's early revolt against the British, his imprisonment during the Quit India movement, and his military service.

Former Minister RB Udhayakumar paid floral tributes at the Paramakudi memorial on behalf of the AIADMK.

TNCC chief Manickam Tagore, who paid his respects alongside other Congress leaders, described Sekaran as a staunch nationalist and social reformer who never hesitated to fight injustice.

He noted the Indian National Congress's deep respect for Sekaran, recalling the release of a postal stamp in his honour in 2010 and state recognition in 2011.

AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran also issued a statement honouring Sekaran's enduring efforts to eliminate social disparities and sow the seeds of equal rights among the masses.

State BJP chief Nainar Nagendran also visited the memorial in Paramakudi to pay his respects.

NTK chief coordinator Seeman and VCK leader and Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu also paid tributes to the martyr.

In a health bulletin issued at 2.30 pm, MGM Healthcare said Babu was continuing to receive appropriate medical management.

"VS Babu is presently admitted in MGM Healthcare, Chennai, since September 9, 2026, with a respiratory ailment.

He is clinically stable and continues to show improvement under appropriate medical management, " the hospital said.

Senthilnathan of Thalaiyari Street in Pattukkottai had a bicycle and spares godown in the locality, and a sudden fire broke out early Friday.

Based on the information, the fire personnel rushed to the spot and doused the fire after fighting for more than an hour.

The Pattukkottai police also rushed to the spot, registered a case and are investigating. Meanwhile, the fire personnel found that a short circuit had led to the accident.

According to the FIR, the complainant, Sivakumar, the proprietor of Kalaimani Associates and a GST consultant, had approached the Commercial Taxes office to address the issues relating to his firm's GST proceedings.

The accused assistant commissioner, Jamuna of Tambaram assessment circle, with office on Greenways Road, allegedly summoned the complainant to her office and demanded Rs 2 lakh to settle the issues and avoid further action against him. Despite telling her that he was unable to arrange such a large amount, the official continued to press him for the money, he alleged.

Sivakumar tried to negotiate and repeatedly explained his financial difficulties, but the official allegedly persisted with the demand, said the FIR. During subsequent conversations and phone calls, the official allegedly continued insisting that money be paid to resolve the TNGST-related issues.

Finally, Sivakumar approached the DVAC and submitted audio recordings of the conversations. Following a discreet verification and approval from senior officials, the agency registered a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act against assistant commissioner Jamuna on September 9 and has taken up the investigation.

The deceased, Sujitha Banu, was the daughter of Mohammed Kasim of Nadutheru in Vandiyur. She was studying in Class 11 at a school in the area.

She was reportedly spending a considerable amount of time using her mobile phone. On the day of the incident, her parents reportedly reprimanded her after seeing her using the phone at home.

Upset over this, Sujitha Banu allegedly died by suicide by hanging when no one else was at home.

Anna Nagar police are investigating the case.

CM Vijay said Pappaiah had brought the richness of Tamil and the Tamils' way of life to audiences around the world through pattimandram platforms.

He said Pappaiah’s humour and deep knowledge of Tamil had enabled him to convey social ideas to people in a simple manner and credited him with transforming pattimandrams from mere entertainment programmes into platforms that encouraged thought and discussion. “His demise is an irreparable loss to the Tamil-speaking world,” Vijay said.

Former Chief Minister MK Stalin shared profound grief over the death of the veteran Tamil scholar, describing him as a proud symbol of modern-day Madurai and a beloved figure among Tamils across the world.

Stalin said Pappaiya had won the affection of Tamils worldwide with his smiling demeanour, engaging Tamil and the distinct flavour of Madurai. He said Pappaiya was an authority on classical Tamil literature, having written a commentary on the Tirukkural, devised a new sequence for the Purananuru and studied Kamban's works.

Stalin said Pappaiya had showered affection on former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and himself, and that his affection remained unchanged irrespective of whether the DMK was in power. “Whenever we met, we shared a bond of affection, with him holding my hands with a smile and warmth,” he said.

“Mother Tamil has lost one of her finest sons,” he said, offering his deep condolences and solace to Pappaiya's family, the people of Madurai and his admirers across the world.

Governor Arlekar described Pappaiah as a renowned Tamil orator, scholar, and popular exponent of pattimandrams, saying that his eloquence, wit, and profound knowledge of the Tamil language and literature had enriched public discourse and brought the richness of Tamil closer to generations.

“His unique contribution to Tamil cultural life will always be remembered. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Tamil literary and cultural world,” Arlekar said, conveying his condolences to Pappaiah’s family, admirers and followers.

School Education Minister Rajmohan described Pappaiah’s death as a great loss to the Tamil-speaking world, recalling how he took the Tamil he taught in classrooms to people across the State and beyond through pattimandrams.

“He left his distinct mark on the literary world until his final breath,” Rajmohan said, offering condolences on behalf of the Tamil Development Department to Pappaiah’s family and Tamils worldwide.

BJP leaders recalled his distinctive contributions to the Tamil language, public discourse, and the cultural life of generations of Tamils.

BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran said Pappaiah had become synonymous with pattimandrams, particularly during festivals, and had earned a lasting place in the hearts of Tamils across the world through his simple Tamil, humour and thought-provoking speeches.

“His voice, views and lively delivery became an inseparable part of the festive celebrations of countless families. His death is a great loss to the Tamil world,” Nainar Nagenthran said in a statement, offering condolences to Pappaiah’s family, friends and admirers.

Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan described his death as an irreparable loss to Tamil society and recalled how people looked forward to his pattimandrams during Deepavali and Pongal.

The former governor said Pappaiah had the rare habit of preserving invitations to programmes he had attended, reflecting his respect for those who invited him. He also had a special place in taking simple, accessible Tamil into households, she said.

Tamilisai recalled her father, late Congress leader Kumari Ananthan, often mentioning that he had participated in pattimandrams with Pappaiah. She said the Padma Shri conferred on him by the Narendra Modi government was a fitting recognition of his contribution.

WTL founder K Annamalai described Solomon Pappaiah as a distinguished Tamil scholar who used pattimandrams to take socially relevant ideas to audiences worldwide.

Annamalai expressed condolences to Pappaiah’s family and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.

If the Dravidian movement leaders used cinema to popularise Tamil identity, literature and culture among the subaltern masses, Pappaiah effectively used the television from the early nineties until last year to take the same message to households across Tamil Nadu.

He moderated more than 12,000 Pattimandrams (Tamil debate programmes) across the globe and received several honours, including the Padma Shri in 2021 and the Tamil Nadu Government’s Kalaimamani award in 2000. Yet, he is remembered for his simplicity, humour and humility.

“He visited our college two months ago. During an interaction with students, he said ‘it was Kundrakudi Adigal (Saivite ascetic), not me, who was the first to take Tamil to the masses through Pattimandrams,’” recalls N Govindarajan, associate professor, Department of Tamil, American College.

Solomon Pappaiah never hesitated to acknowledge the crucial role played by American College in shaping his identity.

Born into a poor family in Madurai on February 22, 1936, Pappiah had eight siblings and had overcome considerable hardship in his early years. Recognising his talent, the American College gave him an opportunity to serve the institution. He went on to work in the Tamil department of the college from 1961 to 1994.

“While promoting Tamil studies at the college, Pappiah gave equal importance to taking complex Tamil literature and social ideas to the masses through his inimitable oratory in Pattimandrams,” said J Evanjelin Monoharan, a retired Tamil professor from the college, who was also Pappiah’s student both at the college and in Pattimandrams.

“Before Pappiah reached households through the television, he travelled extensively across Tamil Nadu in the seventies and eighties, conducting Pattimandrams in villages and cities, particularly during temple festivals,” the professor recalled.

What is more striking is that, following the efforts of prominent figures such as DMK leader CN Annadurai in politics and Kundrakudi Adigal in the spiritual sphere, he democratised Tamil oratory, taking it from the confines of scholarly circles to the wider public, said professor Govindarajan.

“In the Pattimandrams organised by Pappiah, one could witness people from all walks of life participating in debates on subjects ranging from ancient Tamil literature to contemporary issues relevant to the society. His humour and ability to explain complex ideas in simple words will remain in people’s memory,” he said.

While people will remember Pappiah for popularising the Tirukkural through television programmes, the scholarly world will remember him for his academic contributions, including his recent work on Sangam literature, said the professors.

Pappiah’s body has been kept at his residence in Gnanolipuram for public homage. According to his family members, his mortal remains will be cremated at the Thathaneri electric crematorium in Madurai on Saturday afternoon.

Based on the directions by a High Court bench, the State government implemented the empty bottle return scheme at Tasmac liquor outlets to prevent environmental damage.

When the matter came up for hearing again before the special bench comprising Justices N Sathish Kumar and K Rajasekar, Advocate General Vijay Narayan said the existing bottle-return scheme faced practical difficulties and that Tasmac has decided to install reverse vending machines to collect empty bottles and reduce the workload of employees. He sought three months' time to implement the system.

Accepting the request, the judges granted three months' time and directed the authorities to expedite the installation process. They also ordered that the existing system should continue until then and adjourned the hearing.

Under the bottle buy back scheme, consumers should pay an additional Rs 10 per bottle, which would be reimbursed when they return the empty bottle. However, the move quickly earned the ire of Tasmac staff, who complained about inadequate manpower to implement the scheme. The corporation also faced other difficulties, including lack of space at many Tasmac outlets to store the bottles that the consumers returned.

To address these issues, it then mooted installing vending machines that can collect the bottles returned by the consumers. It was tried in some places, including in Chennai, but is yet to take off fully.

A Government Order issued by the Commercial Taxes and Registration Department Secretary J Kumaragurubaran on Friday said Deposit of Title Deeds and Deed of Receipt presented by banks and financial institutions would be registered through the Presenceless Registration system with effect from September 15.

The decision follows an announcement made by the Commercial Taxes and Registration Minister in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on September 7. The initiative seeks to enable eligible documents to be presented online without requiring the parties to physically visit Sub-Registrar offices.

The Inspector General of Registration had proposed the measure to operationalise the announcement and expand the use of the digital infrastructure established under the Presenceless Registration framework.

A Deposit of Title Deeds is presented for registration when immovable property is offered as security for a loan. A Deed of Receipt is presented upon repayment or discharge of the secured loan to evidence the release of the liability.

The government said mandating their registration through the presenceless system would enable banks and financial institutions to submit the documents electronically without deputing officials to Sub-Registrar offices. The move is also expected to reduce physical footfall and manual intervention, facilitate faster processing, improve traceability of mortgage-related transactions and ensure secure digital preservation of registered documents.

The measure is intended to strengthen safeguards against multiple mortgages over the same property. Banks and financial institutions have been asked to ensure that the registered Memorandum of Deposit of Title Deeds or mortgage entry is reflected in the Encumbrance Certificate.

The system also incorporates security features such as the digital signature of the registering authority, a QR code on every page and digital availability of registered documents to ensure their authenticity and traceability.

The bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan observed that the petitioner had approached it in advance, without any cause of action, even as the green panel and the government were issuing and implementing guidelines from time to time. When the petitioner pointed out that the guidelines were not followed last year, the court said the petitioner should have approached it then instead of waiting until the eleventh hour.

"We cannot issue directions based on apprehensions. As of today, there is no cause of action to entertain this petition. It is all in advance," the court orally remarked.

The court dismissed the plea as withdrawn, granting liberty to the petitioner to approach the appropriate forum.

Dr R Karpagam, a social activist and founder of the Coimbatore-based Oli Awareness Movement, filed the PIL. In the plea, he submitted that the case did not concern any religion, denomination, or place of worship, but only sought effective and uniform enforcement of statutory provisions, government orders, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, and judicial directions on environmental protection, noise control, and idol immersion.

The petitioner warned that non-compliance would lead to recurring concerns over water and noise pollution, accumulation of non-biodegradable waste, public safety, and traffic regulation.

The petitioner called upon the State government to place on record details of inspections, violations detected, enforcement action taken, artificial immersion facilities created, noise-level measurements, and water-quality assessments.

The petitioner alleged that the State had failed to discharge its constitutional and public trust obligations by permitting the continued immersion of polluting idols and the resultant contamination of waterbodies.

From 8,993 cusecs received by the dam on September 7, it fell sharply to 3,718 cusecs on September 9 and further to 2,250 cusecs on September 10 before dropping to 1,174 cusecs on Friday.

The steep decline comes at a time when 12,400 cusecs of water is being released from the dam for Cauvery Delta irrigation. With the outflow far exceeding the inflow, the reservoir’s water level has been falling rapidly.

The water level, which stood at 91.28 feet on September 9 against the dam’s full reservoir level of 120 feet, fell to 90.52 feet on Thursday and further to 89.67 feet on Friday.

The sharp fall in inflow has come days after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upheld the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) direction to Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.

An official at the Mettur dam said the water discharge from Karnataka had increased again and that the fresh release was expected to reach Tamil Nadu on Saturday.

“We expect the water to arrive on Saturday. But the quantum of water released from the Karnataka reservoirs would be known only after it reaches Tamil Nadu,” the official said.

The arrival of the additional water could provide some relief, but the steep decline in inflow into the Mettur reservoir has left farmers anxious about the availability of water for the delta’s samba crop.

Farmers have expressed concern that any prolonged shortfall in inflow could jeopardise samba cultivation, which is heavily dependent on timely and adequate irrigation releases from the Cauvery system.

C Nallasamy, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Federation of Farmers Associations, said farmers in the delta were already struggling to protect their standing crops despite Karnataka having completed its first crop harvest.

“Even though Karnataka has completed its first crop harvest, farmers in the delta region are struggling without adequate water to save their drying crops,” he said. He said the water already released for 45 days was insufficient to sustain samba cultivation and warned that any further deterioration in water availability could have serious consequences for farmers.

ISRO's EOS-06, also known as Oceansat-3, has detected changes in ocean Chlorophyll-a levels during June 2026, indicating changes in phytoplankton activity in the Indian Ocean. The satellite observations also show a shift in surface wind patterns, offering an indication of how changing climate and ocean conditions are influencing the region.

EOS-06 is the third-generation Oceansat mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was launched on November 26, 2022. The satellite is designed to provide ocean-related data and strengthen remote sensing capabilities for oceanography, meteorology and climate monitoring.

Chlorophyll-a is a natural green pigment found in plants, algae and cyanobacteria. It plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by absorbing sunlight and helping convert water and carbon dioxide into energy, while releasing oxygen.

In the oceans, microscopic plants known as phytoplankton contain Chlorophyll-a and form the foundation of the marine food chain. Changes in Chlorophyll-a concentrations can therefore provide valuable information about variations in phytoplankton abundance and ocean productivity.

Areas with higher concentrations of phytoplankton often support greater numbers of small marine organisms and fish, which subsequently support larger fish through the food chain.

Satellite-based monitoring of Chlorophyll-a is consequently useful for identifying potential productive fishing zones and understanding changes that could affect fisheries.

Phytoplankton also play a major role in the global carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Monitoring ocean Chlorophyll-a levels from space can therefore help scientists study changes in ocean productivity and the role of the oceans in absorbing atmospheric carbon.

The latest Oceansat-3 observations for June 2026 show a reduction in Chlorophyll-a compared with earlier observations, alongside a shift in surface winds. The changes are being viewed in the context of the evolving El Niño conditions and can be compared with ocean signatures observed during 2024 and 2025.

VS Chandrasekaran, former principal scientist at the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), told DT Next that the warming of the ocean surface associated with El Niño conditions could reduce the upwelling phenomenon in the ocean.

"Upwelling is the process by which cold, nutrient-rich water from the deeper parts of the ocean rises to the surface. When this nutrient-rich water is reduced, the population of phytoplankton can also decline, " he said.

He explained that Chlorophyll-a is a colour-based index used in satellite observations to estimate the abundance of phytoplankton.

"A reduction in Chlorophyll-a indicates a reduction in phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are the primary food producers in the ocean, just as trees and plants are primary food producers on land. A reduction in phytoplankton can affect fishery production through a chain reaction, " he said.

According to the scientist, a decline in phytoplankton could affect organisms at the lower levels of the marine food chain, eventually influencing fish populations.

Under the new system, these documents will be available for download on the day the driving test or vehicle registration is completed, according to a government order issued by the Home Department on Thursday.

The GO follows Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's announcement in the Assembly on September 2 Assembly.

The digital documents will carry QR codes linked to the original records in government databases through m-Parivahan and DigiLocker, allowing authorities to verify them in real time and guard against duplicate documents.

The government has said the downloadable DLs and RCs will be available free of cost for the first year from September 13 or until the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, are amended, whichever is earlier. Subsequently, the applicable fee will be governed by the rules.

The downloaded documents can be printed from the Parivahan portal. Printouts on plain paper or in laminated form will be treated as valid, provided the QR code is clear and can be scanned for verification.

For those wanting a physical copy, printing facilities will be made available at all government e-Seva centres from September 15, subject to the prescribed service charges.

The order also directs government departments, public bodies, and related entities not to insist on the physical DL or RC format issued until September 12. Digital documents or their clear printouts will have to be accepted wherever DLs and RCs are required for filing, verification, approval, authentication, payment or enforcement.

Any seizure, authentication, or recording of penalties relating to DLs and RCs after September 12 will also have to be carried out electronically on the relevant government databases.

The Transport and Road Safety Commissioner has been directed to make necessary changes to the m-Parivahan portal through the National Informatics Centre and ensure a smooth transition to digital issuance.

In a statement issued by the party on Friday, it said that district secretaries Tha Mo Anbarasan and K Sundar would oversee the campaign work for the Madurantakam constituency.

Former minister and deputy general secretary MP Saminathan and Tirupur district secretary Ila Padmanabhan have been appointed as in-charges for the Dharapuram constituency.

The party has appealed to district secretaries who are in proximity to coordinate with the in-charges and work hard for the candidates' victory.

Meanwhile, the party's IT wing has also intensified its campaign for the party's candidates. In a statement, the IT wing secretary, TRB Rajaa, said that consultative meetings for an intensive campaign in Dharapuram and Madurantakam would be held on Saturday and Sunday in the respective constituencies. He appealed to functionaries belonging to the constituencies to participate in the meetings without fail.

Following the Indhiya Kudiyarasu Katchi, another Dalit outfit, the Aadhi Thamizhar Party has extended its support to the DMK in the by-polls. During a meeting with DMK president MK Stalin at Anna Arivalayam on Friday, the leaders of the outfit extended their support to the 75-year-old party.

In a post on its official X handle, the AIADMK said the alleged misinformation campaign began immediately after the party announced Banumathi as its candidate for the Dharapuram Assembly bypoll.

"Immediately after announcing our candidate, fear has gripped the TVK," the party said, alleging that the ruling party's "fake news warriors" were spreading completely false information that Banumathi had joined the TVK.

The AIADMK alleged that the TVK was unable to face its political opponents directly and instead resorted to poaching legislators from other parties before fielding them as its own candidates.

Claiming that the TVK had realised the AIADMK candidate would win the bypoll, the party said it had turned to spreading false information. It also accused the ruling party of being "born in lies and grown on lies."

The AIADMK said it would initiate strict legal action against those responsible for spreading false information about its candidate.

The party added that voters in Maduranthakam and Dharapuram would respond appropriately to those who allegedly sought to distort the people's mandate.

Officials said the complainant, Kannan (53) of Chromepet, had previously worked as a general manager at a private company in Valasaravakkam and was currently looking for a job. He became acquainted with the woman, identified as Kanchan Latha Singh, through an online app. On her invitation, the two checked into a lodge in the St Thomas Mount area on August 26.

Later that night, Kannan allegedly realised that his gold chain weighing around 2.5 sovereigns and Rs 4,000 in cash were missing and that the woman had left the lodge.

Based on his complaint, the St Thomas Mount police registered a case and launched an investigation. A police team examined CCTV footage and tracked the suspect using her mobile phone number, eventually locating her in Bengaluru.

A police team from here went to Bengaluru and arrested Kanchan Latha Singh from a lodge on September 9. Investigators recovered Rs 1.5 lakh, said to be the remaining proceeds after she allegedly sold the stolen gold chain, while the remaining money was already spent. The officials also seized two mobile phones and five SIM cards from her.

The woman was produced before a court in Devanahalli and subsequently brought to Chennai. After further investigation, she was produced before the Alandur court on September 10 and remanded in judicial custody.

In a statement, Anbumani questioned the government's decision to drop the Parandur airport project, citing concerns over agricultural land, while proceeding with land acquisition for an industrial park in the same region.
He said 410.80 acres of dry agricultural land and 11.55 acres of poramboke land, totalling 423.35 acres, had been notified for acquisition for a new SIPCOT complex in Maduramangalam.

He alleged that officials were now intensifying the land acquisition process and asking landowners to accept compensation fixed by the previous government.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had announced in the Assembly on August 31 that a semiconductor and electronics manufacturing park would be established in Maduramangalam at a cost of Rs 175 crore, with investments of around Rs 2,000 crore expected. About 35.20 acres had reportedly been earmarked for the park.

Anbumani said the proposed acquisition would affect hundreds of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the dry agricultural lands, where mango, coconut and teak trees are grown.

Agricultural labourers working on these lands would also lose their livelihoods, he said.

Pointing out that Maduramangalam is located close to the proposed Parandur airport site, Anbumani questioned why the government could not relocate the semiconductor park and the larger 423.35-acre SIPCOT project to government-owned or already acquired land.

He urged the government to drop the acquisition of agricultural land and establish the projects on government-owned or already acquired land instead.

An official from the Land Acquisition wing said the government has not yet made any decision on repurposing the land. He said the decision on the future use of the land was a policy matter that had to be taken at the Chief Ministerial level. He also confirmed that no decision has been made or communicated to the department so far. However, sources in the Industries Department have said the land could be utilised for industrial purposes, especially for non-polluting industries. 

The proposed second airport for Chennai was planned on 5,746 acres of land at Parandur, about 70 km from Chennai. Of the total land required, around 2,500 acres comprised private land, while the remaining belonged to the government.

Ever since Parandur was announced as the site, the project had drawn protests from the residents of Ekanapuram and neighbouring villages, over concerns about displacement and the loss of agricultural land. Supporting the protests during the DMK-led regime, TVK leader C Joseph Vijay had promised that if his party came to power, the airport project would be scrapped.

And earlier last week, he announced the project scrapped.
State ministers have refuted the DMK’s claim that around 90% of the land required for the project had been acquired, putting it at 48%.

Ever since Parandur was announced as the site, the project had drawn protests from the residents of Ekanapuram and neighbouring villages, over concerns about displacement and the loss of agricultural land. Supporting the protests during the DMK-led regime, TVK leader C Joseph Vijay had promised that if his party came to power, the airport project would be scrapped.

And earlier last week, he announced the project scrapped.

State ministers have refuted the DMK’s claim that around 90% of the land required for the project had been acquired, putting it at 48%.

He pointed out that the Union government's Directorate General of Health Services has not reduced the qualifying percentile, adding that Tamil Nadu has 40 super-speciality seats exclusively meant for in-service doctors.

Citing the Supreme Court's direction pronounced on Thursday in the Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association case, stating that the qualifying percentile for super-speciality seats should be reduced, Stalin appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene immediately and reduce it to zero percentile, as had been done in earlier years.

"The Union government must also allow states to independently reduce the percentile for their in-service quota when seats remain vacant," Stalin said.

Terming public health a constitutional responsibility of the states, he said not a single medical seat, which is a precious national resource, should be allowed to go to waste when people need more specialist doctors.

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to reconsider its decision not to lower the minimum qualifying percentile for admission to super-speciality medical courses. The court noted the large number of vacant seats and directed the Centre to revisit its stance. The matter will be heard next on September 17, 2026.

A Bench comprising Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe observed that the Centre's decision may need to be reconsidered in view of the seats that have remained vacant.

“Either Mayor R Ranganayaki or Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja should have been invited to Chennai to hand over the award on behalf of the corporation. A resolution should be passed condemning the Chief Minister for ignoring the elected representatives and officials of the civic body,” the DMK councillors demanded.

However, Congress councillor Alagu Jeyabalan opposed the demand resulting in heated exchanges. Their protest led to a brief commotion in the council hall. Despite these disruptions, as many as 128 resolutions were passed unanimously in the meeting.

In a rare show of unity, the DMK and AIADMK councillors came together to protest various proposals, including the proposed Rs 450 crore waste-to-energy project at Vellalore dump yard and over high charges for water by the Suez, which manages water supply in Coimbatore.

In another development, the portraits of former Chief Minister’s O Panneerselvam and Janaki were also put up in the council hall after some councillors insisted on their display.

Poovulagin Nanbargal alleged that the decision was taken without adequately assessing its social and environmental impacts. It said fishing communities between Marina Beach, the Lighthouse and Srinivasapuram had already lost access to portions of their traditional spaces due to various development projects.

The organisation claimed the proposed complex could directly affect 12 fishing hamlets, including Mullikuppam, Mullimanagar, Pattinapakkam, Srinivasapuram, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Bhavani Kuppam, Irudhayapuram, Selvarajapuram, Dooming Kuppam and Nochikuppam. It said the livelihoods of more than 1,500 fishing families in Mullikuppam and surrounding areas could be affected, particularly spaces used for parking boats and drying and repairing fishing nets.

It also noted that the selected 25.55-acre site falls under the CRZ-II category of the 2011 Coastal Regulation Zone notification.

Citing climate projections, the organisation said sea level rise and coastal inundation could pose serious risks to the proposed complex in the coming decades.

Poovulagin Nanbargal urged the government to relocate the project and use the selected site to provide long-term housing for affected fishing communities.

The officials and employees of from UFBU comprised of seven unions called on a protest demanding to implement the bilateral agreement signed in 2024 agreeing to declare holiday for all Saturdays, old pension scheme, the government to bear the expenses of medical insurance of retired bank employees, appoint adequate number of clerical and sub ordinate staff and increase gratuity amount.

As per the announcement, the members of UFBU assembled in front of the Regional Office of SBI in Tiruchy, headed by the Coordinators K Gurunathan and G Ramaraju and staged a protest.

The members also raised slogans in support of their demands. Since the one-day token strike, around 300 branches of various PSU banks have closed, and business worth Rs 100 crore was affected on a single day.