Speaking to reporters at the Chennai airport, Anbumani claimed that the Mettur reservoir had virtually run dry while Karnataka still had 67 tmc ft of water in its reservoirs. He said the State government should seek Supreme Court directions to ensure that Karnataka releases Tamil Nadu's due share of Cauvery water, rather than pursuing backchannel talks on the Mekedatu.

Referring to Chief Minister Vijay's proposed visit to Karnataka, Anbumani said the PMK had already advised against it. Instead, he urged the State government to convene an all-party meeting, take MPs and MLAs to New Delhi, and press Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene. There was no need for "secret negotiations" on such a sensitive interstate issue, he added.

Meanwhile, in a written reply to an unstarred question raised by Anbumani in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh said the proposed Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project has not been granted Terms of Reference (ToR) for environmental clearance as its Detailed Project Report (DPR) is yet to be finalised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and approved by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

The minister said Karnataka submitted its proposal seeking ToR for environmental clearance on June 20, 2019, which was considered by the Expert Appraisal Committee on July 19, 2019. However, after consultations with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Environment Ministry decided that since the project involves inter-state issues, the ToR can be issued only after the DPR is finalised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and approved by the CWMA.

"The concurrence of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Cauvery Water Management Authority on the DPR is still awaited," the minister said, adding that no proposal seeking forest clearance under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 is currently under consideration.

Anbumani had sought details on whether the Centre had received proposals for environmental and forest clearances, whether the project's impact on the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, biodiversity, elephant corridors and downstream ecology had been assessed, and whether an independent cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment had been conducted.

The latest reply follows an earlier response from the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti stating that Karnataka's proposal for the Mekedatu project has not yet been approved by the CWMA and that the DPR remains under examination.

The district collector organised a meeting with the officials from various departments to discuss the conduct of the Chithannavasal summer festival-2026, in which she told the officials that the festival is organised by the Department of Tourism as a part of promoting tourists to attractive places in the district.

She said that the Chithannavasal festival is scheduled for two days. She asked the officials to ensure basic amenities across the venue.

According to an official statement, the decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to assess the prevailing drought situation.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water through tanker lorries to areas facing shortages and to replace ageing drinking water pipelines to improve water distribution. To facilitate these measures, he sanctioned Rs 330 crore for drinking water-related works.

Vijay also sanctioned Rs 10 crore to the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department to ensure the uninterrupted supply of fodder for livestock affected by the drought.

The Chief Minister instructed senior IAS officers appointed as district monitoring officers to closely monitor the drought situation in their respective districts. He also directed District Collectors to review the status of drinking water supply and other essential drought relief works during the weekly review meetings held every Monday.

Ministers R Vinoth and N Marie Wilson, Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department Gagandeep Singh Bedi, and other senior officials participated in the review meeting.

The proposed bypass will originate near Velakkandal on NH-234 (new NH-38) and terminate near Endal, skirting Tiruvannamalai town. Of the total 22.71-km stretch, about 13.1 km will be developed on a new greenfield alignment, while the remaining 9.6 km will utilise and upgrade the existing NH-77 corridor before re-joining the new alignment, thereby reducing the extent of fresh land acquisition.

Designed as an access-controlled corridor, the bypass will permit entry and exit only through designated interchanges, slip roads, and service roads, enabling uninterrupted movement of long-distance traffic while separating it from local traffic. The project includes over 25 km of service roads and more than 6 km of slip roads to provide connectivity to adjoining areas.

The alignment will intersect NH-77, State Highways 236, 6, 9A and 9, besides a major district road and several village roads. To facilitate seamless movement, the project proposes three flyovers, including one each at the Velakkandal starting point and the Endal terminal junction with NH-38, besides another at the junction with NH-77.

In addition, five vehicular underpasses and five light vehicle underpasses have been planned at key locations to maintain connectivity across the access-controlled corridor without disrupting through traffic.

The project does not involve any major bridges, railway overbridges or railway crossings. However, it includes reconstruction or widening of four minor bridges and widening of 19 culverts along the existing NH-77 stretch.

The bypass will be executed under the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode with a construction period of 24 months. Once completed, it is expected to divert through traffic away from Tiruvannamalai, which witnesses heavy vehicular movement due to pilgrim traffic to the Arunachaleswarar Temple and inter-district traffic using the NH-38 corridor. The contractor will also be responsible for maintaining the highway for 10 years after completion.

Thousands of farmers are struggling due to confusion over notices issued by cooperative banks.

This comes despite explicit clarification from the government that all categories of farmers — marginal, small and large — who availed crop loans of up to Rs 75,000 from cooperative banks would receive a full waiver. Those who availed crop loans exceeding Rs 75,000 would receive a waiver of Rs 35,000.

However, farmers in Kallandhiri village near Madurai said they were taken by surprise when a ration shop employee recently distributed notices issued by the Poondi Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society, Appanthiruppathi, in Madurai East.

"We were shocked when the cooperative bank demanded that we repay the entire loan amount to avail ourselves of the waiver benefits," a group of farmers alleged.

A demand notice issued to a farmer by the Poondi Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society (No. A 3065) highlights this stark administrative contradiction:

"According to the guidelines... the crop loan amount you received from this society is Rs 72,710... You are informed to pay your crop loan instalment amount in advance... Once the final list for the said waiver amount is finalised and released, it will be credited to your savings account."

Farmers in the area said they suffered heavy paddy crop losses last year due to pest attacks.

"This year is even more difficult because drought-like conditions prevail in the taluk," said Alagar Swamy (64), a farmer from the village.

During the Tamil month of Aadi, farmers in Madurai prepare their fields for paddy cultivation. In areas such as Melur, where irrigation water is supplied through the Periyar–Vaigai canal, farmers cultivate paddy twice a year.

"When we are already struggling to cope with drought-like conditions, the bank is sending notices demanding that we repay the entire loan amount. Where will we get the money?" the farmers asked.

"Political parties make all these promises during elections. Once they come to power, they forget the farmers," they alleged.

SP Ilangovan, district secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Madurai, claimed that the issue was not confined to Madurai district and that farmers across the State were facing similar problems.

"In some cases, cooperative banks are clubbing one or two loans availed by members of the same family and demanding that they repay the entire amount before granting the waiver," he alleged.

He said the AIKS would soon organise a statewide meeting to draw the government's attention to the plight of farmers.

The field operation, scheduled from August 1 to 30, will cover every household across nearly 1.2 lakh house listing blocks under 1,026 administrative charges. Around 19,000 supervisors have been deployed to oversee the enumeration process.

Using a 33-question schedule, enumerators will collect details on housing conditions, basic amenities and access to essential utilities, all of this through a dedicated mobile application, replacing conventional paper-based data collection.

Officials said the technology-driven exercise is expected to improve accuracy, reduce processing time and ensure seamless data management. "The Houselisting and Housing Census provides the statistical foundation for evidence-based policymaking, targeted welfare delivery and long-term development planning at every level of governance," officials said.

Ahead of the field exercise, Tamil Nadu registered an encouraging response to the newly introduced self-enumeration facility, with more than 10 lakh households submitting their details online between July 17 and 31. Residents who have already completed self-enumeration have been asked to keep their Self-Enumeration ID ready for verification during the enumerator's visit. However, households that did not use the online facility will also be covered.

Officials reiterated that all information collected is protected under the Census Act, 1948, and will remain strictly confidential. They added that the digital collection and processing of data comply with the provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, assuring citizens that the information would be used solely for statistical analysis and public policy formulation.

DIGITAL HOUSELISTING

• The first phase of Census 2027 begins on August 1 and will conclude on August 30

• Over 1.15 lakh enumerators will participate in the month-long door-to-door exercise

• It will cover households across nearly 1.2 lakh house listing blocks under 1,026 administrative charges

• Approximately 19,000 supervisors have been deployed to oversee the enumeration process

• Armed with a mobile application, enumerators will collect details on housing conditions, basic amenities and access to essential utilities through a 33-question schedule

CM Vijay held discussions with senior officials of the Water Resources Department on Friday to assess the pros and cons of undertaking the proposed Bengaluru visit, sources said. However, before he could take a final call on the visit, the Karnataka CM conveyed its reluctance to proceed with the bilateral meeting.

The proposed meeting was initiated at the request of Chief Minister Vijay, with the Karnataka government expressing its willingness to hold bilateral talks on issues related to the Cauvery river water dispute and the Mekedatu reservoir project.

However, after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) rejected Karnataka's appeal to stay the CWRC's directive to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka appeared reluctant to proceed with the proposed talks.

Shivakumar’s appeal came amid widespread protests across Karnataka, particularly in Mandya, where demonstrators tore posters of Vijay's recently released film ‘Jana Nayagan’ and forced theatres at some places to halt its screening.

The Tamil Nadu government has neither issued an official communication nor made any public announcement regarding the postponement of the Bengaluru visit and talks.

According to sources, the State government is expected to make a decision on rescheduling the talks after assessing the evolving situation. The bilateral meeting was expected to cover both the Cauvery water-sharing dispute and the contentious Mekedatu dam project, which Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed, maintaining it would adversely affect the State's share of the Cauvery waters.

Opposition including the DMK, ADMK, PMK, AMMK, and the Left have opposed the proposed talks with Karnataka.

Despite being accommodated in the party hierarchy, the two leaders are yet to meet Palaniswami, fuelling speculation that differences persist within the party.

Against this backdrop, Palaniswami on Friday announced the party's programme to observe the death anniversary of freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai on August 3. In a statement, he said Velumani would pay floral tributes at the Dheeran Chinnamalai statue in Odanilai, Erode district, while Thangamani would pay homage at the memorial in Sankagiri, Salem district. Cadre are unsure whether the disgruntled leaders would accept the invitation.

The statement specifically identified Velumani and Thangamani by their present party posts and also listed the names of the district secretaries who were appointed after they were removed from those positions.

The announcement has sparked fresh political interest in the AIADMK's internal tussle, with cadre keen to know whether the heavyweights in the tussle with the party chief would share the stage with rivals appointed as district secretaries.

Differences between Palaniswami and the two senior leaders surfaced after the AIADMK's defeat in the Assembly elections. The rift widened when Velumani and Thangamani reportedly urged Palaniswami to extend the party's support to the ruling TVK government following the election. Both leaders also backed the confidence motion moved by the TVK government in the Assembly, against the party whip's orders.

In the aftermath, Palaniswami removed both leaders from their respective district secretary posts. Although the differences were later said to have been resolved, neither Velumani nor Thangamani was reinstated as district secretary. Instead, Palaniswami appointed Velumani as the party's deputy general secretary and Thangamani as organisation secretary.

Alleging that the Prime Minister had failed to discharge this responsibility, Tagore said this remained the grievance of the people of Tamil Nadu.

Pointing out that Anbumani is a Rajya Sabha MP and a member of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Tagore said he was in a position to approach the Prime Minister and the Union Jal Shakti Ministry directly to press for Tamil Nadu's interests. "This is what the people of Tamil Nadu expect from him," Tagore said.

Instead of targeting Rahul Gandhi, Tagore said Anbumani should use his political influence within the NDA to ensure Karnataka releases Tamil Nadu's due share of Cauvery water.

Reiterating the Congress party's stance, Tagore said it has consistently supported Tamil Nadu's rights in the Cauvery issue and that Congress legislators would continue to raise the matter in the Assembly. He also called on all political parties in the State to unite and collectively raise Tamil Nadu's concerns, rather than politicising the dispute.

In a representation submitted to Rural Development and Water Resources Minister N Anand, Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar, Public Works Department Secretary R Selvaraj and Water Resources Department Principal Secretary Satyabrata Sahoo, the Save Nemmeli Marshlands Collective sought an independent and comprehensive review of the project's feasibility.

The collective said the government-appointed committee, headed by the Chief Engineer (Chennai Region) of the WRD, was examining project documents prepared by the same department. It argued that such an arrangement undermines the credibility and impartiality of the review since the WRD is also the project proponent.

The organisations urged the government to reconstitute the committee by including independent experts, traditional ecological knowledge holders, and representatives of coastal and tribal fishing communities.

They also called for an immediate halt to all construction activities until the reconstituted committee completes its assessment.

The representation contended that the project does not adequately account for the Bay of Bengal's tidal influence and the proximity of the sea, particularly during extreme weather events. It also sought an assessment of the impact of blocking the Buckingham Canal and the project's interaction with the coastal and marine environment.

According to the representation, construction has begun without the necessary studies to justify the investment or evaluate its ecological and socio-economic impacts. It is alleged that the ongoing work has already affected the Kovalam-Nemmeli salt marshes and threatens the livelihoods of more than 12,000 fishers, including tribal women.

The representation has been endorsed by 24 organisations, including the Chennai Climate Action Group, Chennai Wetlands Action Collective, Fridays for Future (Chennai and India chapters), Madras Naturalists' Society, Wetland Conservation Network and Palluyir Trust, among others.

However, the selection of contractors for the project is yet to be finalised, according to officials of the Public Works Department (PWD).

The proposed CMO will house the Chief Minister's office, the offices of the Chief Minister's secretaries, meeting rooms, waiting areas, and a dining facility, similar to the existing setup in the Fort St George main building.

Officials said the Chief Minister's Office has directed that the work be completed within three months, although the Public Department had initially estimated that six months would be required to execute the project.

"The government has immediately sanctioned Rs 11 crore for establishing the new Chief Minister's Office. Preliminary work has already begun, including cleaning on the 10th floor, for which around Rs 7.5 lakh has been allocated," a PWD official said.

The official added that the government is in the process of identifying eligible contractors for the project. Some contractors are reportedly reluctant to undertake the work because of the tight deadline fixed by the Chief Minister's Office. Officials, however, expressed confidence that the contract would be finalised and work would commence next week.

Meanwhile, the PWD has also been carrying out renovation works in ministers' chambers at the Secretariat. According to officials, each minister's office is being renovated at an estimated cost of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Recently, renovation of the office of the Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments was completed at a cost of Rs 15.93 lakh.

The proposed relocation of the CMO to the nearly 50-year-old Namakkal Kavignar Maligai is part of the government's plan to reorganise office space within the Secretariat complex.

In a social media post, Tagore said Rahul Gandhi would arrive in Tamil Nadu by a flight at 10 am and travel to Mahabalipuram, where he will address 74 District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents attending a 10-day training camp at the TTDC complex.

Rahul will also meet the families who lost their children following the alleged NEET question paper leak. Tagore said he had personally met the bereaved families on July 11 and 12, and Rahul's interaction with them would reaffirm the Congress party's support for students and their families. After the recent NEET question paper leak, three medical aspirants in Tamil Nadu have committed suicide.

Later, Rahul will hold detailed discussions with 74 DCC presidents until 4 pm. He will subsequently meet senior Tamil Nadu Congress leaders, including former TNCC presidents, MPs, former ministers, MLAs and AICC secretaries, to discuss the state's current political situation and the party's future course. Rahul is scheduled to leave for New Delhi on a flight at 7 pm.

In a statement, Stalin recalled that around six lakh books received as gifts have been distributed to libraries across Tamil Nadu as well as upcountries.

As part of this, another 5,000 books have now been donated to the Palayamkottai Central Prison library and the newly established library at Tambaram," Stalin said.

The donation comes amid the recent arrest of DMK MLA GV Markandeyan in a criminal case.

Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin had recently visited the MLA at the Palayamkottai prison.

The change comes as the TVK government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay continues to introduce changes across departments after assuming office. In the transport sector, the government has scrapped earlier tenders and stepped up the procurement of new buses as part of its modernisation drive.

The TNSTC app, used by passengers to book tickets on State-run buses, was earlier available with a white-themed interface. Following the latest update, the app has adopted a red-and-yellow colour palette. The home screen also features a photograph of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on the left and the TNSTC logo on the right.

However, the TNSTC website continues to retain its existing colour scheme.

The redesign drew criticism on social media, with users questioning both the colour choice and the app's accessibility. An X user, @dstock_insights, posted: "TNSTC app also revamped in TVK colors. Whoever put that yellow text in the UI needs to be jailed. Who approves such inaccessible designs?"

The latest change comes days after images purportedly showing government buses repainted in the TVK's red-and-yellow colours went viral, sparking a debate online.

Justice B Pugalendhi issued the directions while dismissing a petition filed by R. Rajesh Kanna seeking transfer of the investigation into his bribery complaint from the DVAC to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Court, however, declined to transfer the probe, noting that the DVAC had already completed its enquiry and recommended prosecution.

According to the petitioner, a Civil Supplies CID Inspector demanded a bribe of Rs 5 lakh to spare him from being implicated in a criminal case. He alleged that despite approaching the DVAC with the complaint, the agency failed to take bprompt action against the officer.

In its counter affidavit, however, the DVAC informed the Court that it had registered a case against the officer, Suguna, and stated that the petitioner had admitted to paying a monthly bribe of Rs 15,000 to the official.

This case has revealed serious institutional deficiencies which require immediate attention at the highest level of the Government. "The present Government has consistently expressed its resolve to eradicate corruption and to promote transparent and accountable governance.

This Court has also noticed that the recent policy initiatives reflect that commitment at the highest levels of administration. However, such commitment can achieve its intended objective only when it effectively permeates every level of governance," the Court observed.

Observing that the DVAC plays a crucial role in combating corruption, Justice Pugalendhi said there were structural deficiencies in the anti-corruption agency.

Although a DVAC unit headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police functions in every district with the assistance of a Police Inspector, the decision-making powers of officials at the district level appear to be either minimal or non-existent. They appeared to be dependent on instructions from the headquarters for every major action, the judge observed.

The judge further observed that while the DVAC had registered cases against lower-level government officials, action on complaints against higher-ranking officials appeared to be sluggish.

The committee has been asked to examine the appointment of a qualified officer as a full-time Vigilance Commissioner, review the deployment of officials, recommend measures to strengthen the agency's functioning and submit its report to the government within four months.

The government has been directed to take appropriate action in accordance with law.

The Court expressed confidence that the Tamil Nadu government would give serious consideration to implementing its directions.

Markandayan has moved the Madras High Court seeking bail, contending that the Thoothukudi police arrested him without issuing a notice under Section 35 (3) of the BNSS and without affording him an opportunity to appear before the investigating officer.

His bail petition was dismissed by the Principal District and Sessions Court, Thoothukudi, on July 30. Challenging the order, Markandayan has filed a bail appeal before the Madras High Court.

Mentioning the matter for urgent hearing, counsel for the MLA requested that the appeal be taken up on priority. Accepting the request, Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan directed that the bail appeal be listed for hearing on August 3.

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan had already reserved orders on another petition filed by the MLA seeking to set aside his judicial remand order.

At a public meeting held in Kovilpatti on July 18, 2026, to thank voters, Vilathikulam MLA Markandayan allegedly made derogatory, abusive, and threatening remarks against Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay while addressing the gathering.

According to the prosecution, the MLA allegedly used insulting language and issued criminal threats, including statements suggesting that the Chief Minister would be confronted inside the Assembly and physically harmed if certain actions were taken, referring to CM Vijay's previous assertion that he may have to lock down the Assembly to ensure opposition MLAs don't walk out when he makes a speech.

Following a complaint lodged by S Balasubramanian, TVK district secretary of Thoothukudi North district, Kovilpatti, the Thoothukudi police registered a case against Markandayan under Sections 351 (3), 352, and 353 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The awards included the President's Police Medals for the years 2023 to 2026, the Union Home Minister's Medals for 2023 and 2024, and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Police Medals for 2024 to 2026. The medals were presented under various categories in recognition of distinguished and meritorious service.

The Chief Minister also flagged off 138 vehicles for the Coastal Security Group, comprising 42 four-wheelers and 96 two-wheelers, procured at a cost of Rs 8.27 crore. The vehicles are intended to strengthen coastal patrolling, surveillance and anti-smuggling operations along Tamil Nadu's 1,076-km coastline covering 14 coastal districts.

The programme featured a ceremonial police parade, demonstrations by the Dog Squad, a motorcycle stunt display by police personnel and cultural performances.

Head of Police Force DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal delivered the inaugural address, while Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj proposed the vote of thanks.

Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar, ministers, legislators, Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar, Home Secretary K Manivasan, senior police officers, and other government officials attended the event.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said several investment proposals shifted to states such as Andhra Pradesh during the DMK’s tenure due to a lack of a transparent investment climate.

“Since the TVK government assumed office, transparency and ease of governance have encouraged industries to invest in Tamil Nadu. The state will soon emerge as the country’s leading investment destination,” he said.

On the charges by DMK leader MK Stalin over the surrender of super specialty medical seats, Arunraj said it was DMK which surrendered 110 seats in 2024 and 145 seats in 2025 to the central pool without any conditions.

“To safeguard the interests of our students, the TVK government secured favourable orders from the Supreme Court,” he said.

On the shortage of nurses in government hospitals, Arunraj said recruitment has been delayed due to pending court proceedings. He expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved shortly and appointments would be made once the legal hurdles were cleared, he said.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KA Sengottaiyan, who was accompanying him, asserted that the TVK government will not allow even a single brick to be laid for the Mekedatu dam.

“We had clearly conveyed our position to Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the project,” he said.

A first bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan ordered notice to the Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Additional Chief Secretary, Commissionerate of Prohibition and Excise, and MD of TASMAC on the petition filed by Cuddalore-based doctor K Gowrishankar.

The petitioner stated that a liver screening camp conducted at Panruti using FibroTouch Liver Scan technology examined 110 patients. The findings revealed that 37.27% had fatty liver disease, around 50% had liver fibrosis, and 1.8% had liver cirrhosis.

Of the 57 patients who disclosed regular alcohol consumption, 96.5% had fatty liver disease, 65% had liver fibrosis, and 3.5% had developed liver cirrhosis. The petitioner submitted that most of them were unaware of the health risks associated with regular alcohol consumption.

Following the camp, the petitioner visited several Tasmac outlets in and around Panruti and found that many shops were operating without mandatory Tamil warning signboards, allegedly in violation of Rule 10(5) of the TN Liquor Retail Vending (in Shops and Bars) Rules, 2003, and Rule 5.12 of the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018.

He also sought a direction to install and prominently display statutory warning signboards in Tamil at every TASMAC liquor retail shop and to introduce mandatory pictorial health warnings on alcohol bottles depicting the adverse effects of alcohol consumption on vital organs, particularly the liver, in the interest of public health.

According to police, the complainant, Yoganand, 43, of Porur, was contacted through Facebook and persuaded to invest in cryptocurrency trading through a Chinese mobile application called "Chin Chain". The fraudsters allegedly promised returns of up to three times the invested amount.

Believing the claims, the victim transferred Rs 1,73,48,330 in multiple instalments to various bank accounts provided by the accused. However, neither the promised profits nor the principal amount was returned.

Based on the complaint, the Avadi Cyber Crime Police registered a case and launched an investigation under the supervision of senior officers.

The probe revealed that Rs 13,86,440 from the cheated amount had been credited to a bank account belonging to Anbalagan, who was arrested on May 19, 2026. During interrogation, Anbalagan allegedly disclosed that he had purchased bank accounts and sold them to cyber agents operating from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. He identified Madhavan as the person involved in procuring the accounts.

Police tracked down Madhavan, who had been absconding, and arrested him at Maraimalai Nagar on Friday.

Investigators said Madhavan admitted to collecting bank accounts from people in Tamil Nadu by offering commissions and selling them through cyber agents in north India to a Chinese online fraud syndicate, earning substantial commissions.

The investigation also found that bank accounts allegedly sold by Madhavan had been linked to 67 cybercrime complaints registered across India on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

Madhavan was produced before a judicial magistrate at Poonamallee and remanded to judicial custody. He has been lodged in Puzhal Central Prison.

The Avadi Police Commissioner advised the public not to trust investment advertisements circulating on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and other online platforms that promise unusually high returns.

Stakeholders welcomed the move, stating that this would help investors and companies that are looking to set up based in the State.

An order issued by Commissioner of Town and Country Planning Kiran Gurrala dated July 30 said all industrial building applications falling within the specified built-up area would henceforth be scrutinised by the newly formed cell. District offices have also been directed to transfer all such files to the Industrial Cell immediately and furnish a compliance report.

The development comes in the backdrop of rolling out the single-window online planning approval system in 2025. The portal has enabled the ease of online processing of planning permissions, building approvals, change-of-land-use applications, and completion certificates. The newly created Industrial Cell is expected to strengthen the internal scrutiny mechanism for a specific category of industrial projects.

Industry representatives said the move could strengthen Tamil Nadu's ease-of-doing-business ecosystem if it leads to faster processing of industrial proposals.

Welcoming the initiative, AMPA Group chairman Palaniappan said a dedicated scrutiny mechanism could help improve the investment climate. "If approval is going to be through a single window with faster processing, it will definitely help investors," he said.

He added that the warehousing and logistics sector could particularly benefit from the move, noting that many medium-sized warehouse projects fall within the category covered by the new Industrial Cell. Faster scrutiny of such proposals, he said, would support companies looking to establish or expand industrial and logistics facilities in Tamil Nadu.

In a circular issued on Friday, S Sivarasu, Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, instructed all District Collectors to organise special camps at fair price shops and closely monitor the exercise to achieve 100 per cent eKYC coverage.

The initiative follows the Centre's mandate, which makes eKYC compulsory for all NFSA beneficiaries.

Officials have been asked to create awareness among cardholders, deploy adequate staff and ensure uninterrupted functioning of electronic Point of Sale (ePOS) devices during the drive. They have also been instructed to personally monitor the exercise and submit compliance reports after the campaign.

According to the circular, Tamil Nadu has completed eKYC verification for 95.42 per cent of ration cards, while beneficiary-wise authentication has reached 85.77 per cent.

The August 2 campaign is intended to bridge the remaining gap and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries complete the mandatory verification process.

The Director said every effort should be made to achieve full eKYC coverage during the special campaign and instructed district administrations to treat the exercise as a priority.

Beneficiaries who have not completed eKYC have been urged to visit their respective fair price shops on August 2 with the required identification documents and complete the authentication process without delay.

The case arose from a complaint lodged by TVK MLA N Ilaiyaraja, alleging that Thirunavukkarasu offered him Rs. 35 crore to vote against the Speaker in the proposed no-confidence motion in the Assembly. Ilayaraja alleged that after he rejected the offer, Thirunavukkarasu called him again and threatened him and his family with dire consequences if he disclosed the conversation.

According to the prosecution, the investigation revealed that Thirunavukkarasu had contacted the MLA at the instance of former minister V. Senthilbalaji and RV Ashok Kumar. Based on the complaint, the Triplicane police registered a case under Sections 8 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Sections 61 (2) (a) and 351 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Meanwhile, former DMK Minister V Senthilbalaji and his brother, RV Ashok Kumar, filed anticipatory bail petitions before the Madras High Court. After hearing the matter, Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan granted them conditional anticipatory bail on July 8.

As per the High Court's order, they were directed to surrender before the Principal Sessions Court, Chennai, within 15 days of receiving a copy of the order and execute a personal bond for Rs. 25,000 each with two sureties for a like sum. They were also directed to appear before the Triplicane Police twice daily, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m., and sign the register until further orders. In compliance with the conditions, Senthilbalaji surrendered before Principal Sessions Judge S. Karthikeyan.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) registered a separate case against Senthilbalaji and others. His anticipatory bail plea in that case was dismissed by the Madras High Court on July 30, 2026.

Aggrieved by the order, Senthilbalaji approached the Supreme Court by filing a Special Leave Petition. Following the hearing, the Supreme Court granted him anticipatory bail.

Subsequently, Senthilbalaji filed a relaxation petition before the Madras High Court seeking temporary exemption from complying with the reporting condition. In the supporting affidavit, he stated that, owing to exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, he was unable to appear before the Triplicane Police from July 31 to August 4, 2026, and had informed the police through a representation dated July 30.

The affidavit further stated that he was seeking only a four-day exemption, undertook to appear before the police on August 5 at 10.30 a.m. and continue complying with the reporting condition, contending that the limited exemption would not prejudice the investigation.

Speaking to reporters in Salem, Palaniswami said the CWMA had upheld the apex court's order directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, and criticised Vijay’s silence on an issue affecting people's livelihoods.

"The government should convene an all-party meeting, consult legal experts and representatives of major farmers' associations, and evolve a comprehensive strategy to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests in the Cauvery dispute," Palaniswami said.

He reiterated the AIADMK's opposition to Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project, warning that construction of the reservoir across the Cauvery would have serious consequences for Tamil Nadu. “The project would severely affect irrigation in the Cauvery Delta and jeopardise drinking water supplies to nearly 20 districts in the State,” he said.

Palaniswami also criticised Karnataka for its continued failure to comply with the Supreme Court's 2018 verdict, which laid down a monthly schedule for the release of Cauvery water. He also accused the state government of remaining complacent despite the looming water crisis, saying inadequate water availability had prevented farmers in the Delta region from taking up kuruvai cultivation.

The AIADMK leader further demanded that the government fulfil its election promise of a complete waiver of crop loans. He warned that the party would organise statewide protests if a comprehensive loan waiver for farmers is not announced in the forthcoming budget.

According to police, the accident occurred while the worker was mixing raw materials for manufacturing fireworks. Subramani (55), of Kakkivadanpatti, who was engaged in the mixing process inside a room, sustained grievous injuries. "Since it is a small factory, only one worker was involved in mixing the raw materials.

The explosion occurred in that room," a police source said, adding that the exact cause of the explosion was under investigation.

On receiving information, personnel from the Vembakottai Fire and Rescue Services and Alangulam police rushed to the spot and rescued the injured worker. He was admitted to the Government Hospital in Sivakasi and was later referred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Virudhunagar for further treatment after receiving first aid. The police said one Sundar of Thiruthangal is the owner of the factory.

The unit, licensed by the District Revenue Officer, has more than 10 production rooms and employs over 30 workers. Alangulam police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

In an official order, the department directed that every document registered from February 5, 2024, the day Justin Manikandan assumed charge as sub-registrar in the Palani registration district, until the date of his suspension be examined comprehensively.

The department has constituted a six-member special audit committee headed by Tirunelveli Deputy Inspector General of Registration Swaminathan to carry out the exercise. The other members are Sivaganga Assistant Inspector General of Registration Srinivasan, Salem West Sub-Registrar Geetha, Virudhunagar Sub-Registrar Khaja Mohaideen, Virudhunagar Sub-Registrar Office Assistant Mohanraj and Muthukrishnan, an assistant attached to the office of the Tirunelveli Deputy Inspector General of Registration.

The committee has been asked to scrutinise all registrations made during the specified period, with particular focus on whether any documents were registered in violation of Section 22A of the Registration Act, which prohibits the registration of certain categories of properties.

"The committee shall conduct a special audit of all documents registered during the period, ascertain whether there were violations of Section 22A of the Registration Act, assess any loss caused, and submit its report within three days," the department said in its order.

The audit is also expected to quantify any financial or administrative loss allegedly caused during Justin Manikandan's tenure and recommend appropriate follow-up action based on its findings.

The investigation revealed that it was sourced from Kerala.

Acting on a tip-off, the police intercepted a van heading towards the Pudumadam coast near Uchipuli and found 140 parcels of ganja weighing 292 kg concealed beneath sacks of potatoes and other vegetables.

The police immediately arrested Thangaraj, Sekar and Senthilvelan, all hailing from Thoothukudi district.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang had allegedly sourced the ganja from Kerala and transported it to Ramanathapuram, which will then be smuggled to Sri Lanka by fibre boats in the wee hours. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth several crore rupees, police said.

"Normally, smugglers transport ganja from Visakhapatnam and the Odisha border. However, this is the first time we have found such a huge quantity being smuggled from Kerala," a Q Branch officer said.

The officer added that ganja and other narcotic substances, including heroin and methamphetamine, are in high demand in Sri Lanka.

"A kilogram of ganja is sold for Rs 1 lakh in Indian currency there," the officer said.

Explaining the gang's modus operandi, the officer said that immediately after the consignment reached the coast, it would be shifted to boats within a few minutes.

"The Sri Lankan gang would send the serial number of a Sri Lankan Rs 50 note through WhatsApp to their counterparts transporting the ganja by boat. In mid-sea, members of the Sri Lankan gang arriving in another boat would verify the serial number of the Rs 50 note before taking delivery of the consignment," the officer said.

Since January this year, the Q Branch has seized nearly 7,660 kg of narcotic substances, mostly ganja, besides 10 kg of heroin and 19 kg of methamphetamine, the officer said.

Conducted under the Governor's guidance, the competition aimed to deepen young people's understanding of the emotional, historical and contemporary relevance of Vande Mataram. Students submitted essays in both Tamil and English across three categories -- Classes VI to IX, Classes X to XII, and university and college students. Topics ranged from the song's contribution to India's freedom struggle to its role in building Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

The winning entries were selected by an expert panel following a detailed assessment. Congratulating the winners, the Governor also commended all participants for their enthusiastic and thoughtful contributions, saying their involvement had made the initiative meaningful.

First, second and third prize winners in both school and college categories will receive cash awards of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively, along with citations. Special prize winners will also be honoured with citations.

The Governor will present the awards to the winners, along with their parents and principals, during the Independence Day "At Home" celebrations at Lok Bhavan in Chennai on August 15.

Tirunelveli-based K Venkatachalapathy has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Madras High Court seeking to restrain the Election Commission of India (ECI) from notifying and conducting bye-elections in the Tiruchy (East), Perundurai, Viralimalai, Karur, and Ambasamudram Assembly constituencies.

The petitioner contended that conducting bye-elections before the disposal of the pending election petitions would render the proceedings infructuous, defeat the statutory rights of the election petitioners under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and frustrate the purpose of adjudicating election disputes.

He has, therefore, sought a declaration that the vacancies cannot be treated as “clear vacancies” under Section 151-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, until the election petitions are finally decided, along with interim and final directions restraining the Election Commission of India from proceeding with the bye-elections.

After hearing the parties, on July 10, the Bench held that conducting premature bye-elections would burden the public exchequer and could lead to a constitutional anomaly by resulting in two validly elected representatives for the same constituency. The Bench, therefore, restrained the Election Commission of India from issuing notifications for bye-elections in the Tiruchy (East), Perundurai, Viralimalai, Karur, and Ambasamudram Assembly constituencies until July 31.

The Court directed the issuance of notice to Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, the Election Commission of India, the Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, and MLAs C Vijayabaskar, MR Vijayabhaskar, E Subbaiya, and S Jayakumar.

When the PIL was again listed before the Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, counsel for the petitioner brought to the notice of the Bench that the interim stay was in force.

Recording the submission, the Bench extended the interim stay on the notification of bye-elections to the five constituencies till August 24 and adjourned the matter to the same date.

S Karthik alias ‘Mulanoor’ Karthik, one of the accused, is said to be the leader of the ‘Karur Gang’.

According to the FIR, all the bars in Karur district were allegedly run by Karthik and his associates, who allegedly formed an organised crime syndicate, which came to be known as the Karur Gang.

Karthik’s associate Ramesh, also from Karur district, were produced before the Principal Sessions Court, City Civil Court, Chennai, which remanded them in judicial custody.

The FIR names former prohibition and excise minister Senthilbalaji, S Visakan, the then managing director of Tasmac; two senior regional managers; Rathesh Raj S, an IPS officer’s brother who wielded considerable sway in the previous government; and Bhaskar, Balaji’s PA, among others.

It also named besides distillery and brewery companies, transport firms, bottling companies and other unidentified public servants and private individuals.

The agency has invoked provisions relating to criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating and destruction of evidence under the Indian Penal Code and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

It said the case was registered after a government-referred discreet inquiry revealed sufficient material indicating the commission of cognisable offences. The investigation is continuing to ascertain the role of the remaining accused and other entities named in the FIR.

THE ACCUSED

V Senthilbalaji, former minister for electricity, prohibition and excise

S Visakan, former managing director, Tasmac

T Rama Durai Murugan, former senior regional manager, Tasmac

R Panneer Selvam, former senior regional manager, Tasmac

Bhaskar, former personal assistant to Senthilbalaji

Rathesh Raj S (brother of a serving IPS officer)

S Karthik alias Mulanoor Karthik, Karur

Distillery/brewery companies, and transport and bottling firms

Stalin alleged that consumers across the State were facing widespread confusion over electricity bills and criticised the TVK-led government for its handling of the issue.

"When the TVK government assumed office, the State witnessed frequent power outages. Now, consumers are facing problems with electricity billing," he said.

Stalin claimed that the government had acknowledged complaints from 3.70 lakh electricity consumers regarding excessive or erroneous bills, adding that the actual number of affected consumers could be much higher. "Many more consumers may have been affected but have not yet raised their voices against the excessive bills," he said.

He appealed to the State government to extend the payment deadline until all billing-related issues are resolved. Stalin also urged the authorities to ensure that meter readings are taken accurately and that electricity bills are generated transparently and free of errors.

Responding to the allegations, Minister for Energy and Law R Nirmalkumar said routine inspections were being carried out wherever consumers reported excessive electricity bills. He maintained that complaints had declined compared to the corresponding period last year.

According to the minister, 9.60 lakh complaints of excessive electricity bills were registered during the corresponding period this year, compared with 11.50 lakh complaints during the same period last year.

"The former Chief Minister's statement is misleading. Officials of the Electricity Board are verifying excessive bills, and the exercise will be completed within a week. Any errors found will be rectified in the next billing cycle," Nirmalkumar said, claiming that 3.70 lakh complaints were a false claim by the DMK chief.

The appointments were notified through a Government Order issued by the Public (Law Officers) Department.

According to the Government Order, PV Balasubramanian, T Gowthaman, B Saravanan, A Abdul Hameed, J Barathan, S Arjun Suresh, S Kumaresan and Kavitha Nithyanandan have been appointed as Additional Advocate Generals of the Madras High Court. Of them, B Saravanan and J Barathan have been posted to the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.

The Government Order states that the appointments will come into force from the date on which the respective law officers assume charge.

The notification was issued by Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar by order of the Governor.

The incident, which also left a 24-year-old critically injured, triggered widespread protests and road blockades by locals demanding the immediate arrest of all individuals involved in the crime.

According to police sources, agriculture is the primary livelihood in Poombarai. For the past few months, a dispute had been brewing between Raghu, a local farmer, and Ramar over latter's horse repeatedly grazing in former's farmland.

The feud took a violent turn when Raghu reportedly summoned Ramar (26) and his companion Prashanth (24) to a field near Poombarai. An argument ensued, during which Raghu brutally attacked both men with a sickle.

Ramar succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while Prashanth, who suffered severe deep cuts, was rushed to the government hospital, where his condition remains critical.

As the victim and the accused belong to different communities, the incident sparked intense communal tension in the region. Vandalism was reported late last night, with several two-wheelers smashed, adding to the prevailing anxiety in the village.

While Raghu surrendered at the police station late last night, relatives of the deceased and over 100 members of his community alleged that Raghu did not act alone.

Claiming that several of his associates were also involved in the attack, the protesters launched a road blockade early on Friday on the key route connecting Poombarai to upper hill villages like Mannavanur.

Despite senior police officials arriving at the spot to initiate peace talks, the victim's family and protesters refused to back down, alleging police inaction and improper investigation.

Heavy police security has been deployed in and around Poombarai to prevent any further escalation.

Vijay’s visit to Karnataka, though mentioned repeatedly by the government and leaders in Karnataka, has not been officially confirmed by the Tamil Nadu government.

Two days ago, Shivakumar had said he offered to take Vijay on a helicopter tour of the areas fed by Cauvery water to show the scarcity there.

However, the situation changed after widespread protests across Karnataka, particularly in Mandya, where demonstrators tore posters of Vijay's film ‘Jana Nayagan’ and forced theatres at some places to halt its screening.

Let’s meet in more conducive, cordial atmosphere

In his appeal, Shivakumar urged Vijay to defer his proposed visit to Bengaluru in view of the charged atmosphere in the State following the CWMA's decision upholding CWRC's direction to Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.

"I request him to defer his proposed visit for a short while. At present, the atmosphere is beginning to improve. There is good rainfall and water inflows are increasing. Let us hold our meeting in a more conducive and cordial atmosphere," the Chief Minister told reporters in Bengaluru.

He said he had already spoken to Vijay and would again request him to mutually fix another date instead of August 3. "Whenever a guest visits our State, we should receive them with warmth and cordiality. Karnataka has always welcomed people from across the country. We should not hurt anyone's sentiments," Shivakumar said.

Mekedatu will benefit TN more: DKS

Making a strong pitch for Karnataka's long-pending Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery in Kanakapura, his home town, Shivakumar asserted that the project would actually benefit Tamil Nadu more than Karnataka.

"In my view, the Mekedatu project will benefit Tamil Nadu even more than Karnataka. The only direct benefit Karnataka will derive is the generation of about 400 MW of hydropower," he said.

‘Balancing reservoir, not to expand irrigation’

The Chief Minister said the proposed 66 TMC reservoir was only a balancing reservoir and could not be used to expand irrigation in Karnataka.

"At no point can the water stored in the 66 TMC balancing reservoir be utilised for any new irrigation project in Karnataka. It is only a balancing reservoir. We have no authority to use that water for irrigation," he said.

Referring to the legal position on the project, Shivakumar said the Supreme Court had directed Karnataka to comply with the final award requiring release of 177.25 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu, while also recognising Karnataka's right to construct the balancing reservoir.

"The recent Supreme Court judgment has also made it clear that Karnataka must release 177.25 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu. At the same time, the Court has also recognised Karnataka's right to construct the balancing reservoir within its territory," he said.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi granted the relief to Balaji with certain conditions – that he will cooperate with the investigation, deposit his passport and not influence any witnesses.

“You immediately come to us even if there is slightest breach in bail conditions. We will modify or cancel our orders,” Justice Bagchi told senior advocate Guru Krishnakumar appearing for the Tamil Nadu government.

Earlier in the day, Justice V Mohana recused herself from hearing the anticipatory bail plea of Balaji.

On Thursday, the top court agreed to hear Balaji’s plea seeking pre-arrest bail in the fresh corruption case pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).

The Madras High Court had dismissed the anticipatory bail petition of Balaji in the FIR lodged by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in the TASMAC scam case.

Soon after the denial, the top court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant was urged by senior lawyers Kapil Sibal, Mukul Rohatgi and Amit Anand Tiwari on behalf of the DMK leader that his plea be listed for urgent hearing as he faces imminent coercive action.

Balaji represents Coimbatore South in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

According to the FIR, a large-scale scam took place in TASMAC in the allotment of shops and bars.

Balaji alleged that the FIR quoted verbatim the affidavit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the petition tThe agency filed before the Supreme Court.

In fact, the FIR itself at various places says that it is from the counter affidavit and petition of the ED, the plea said.

“Our contention is that the FIR is for the incident said to have taken place between 2021 and 2025. I am at no flight risk; no custodial interrogation required. I was the minister in the department and TASMAC is a corporation independent in existence and functioning,” senior advocate Tiwari said.

He also termed the move an instance of political vendetta.

The FIR details a systematic cash-kickback scheme involving tens of crores, where bottle supply companies generated bogus or inflated invoices for distilleries.

In an official order, the department directed that every document registered from February 5, 2024, the day Justin Manikandan assumed charge as Sub-Registrar in the Palani Registration District, until the date of his suspension be examined comprehensively.

To carry out the exercise, the department has constituted a six-member special audit committee headed by Tirunelveli Deputy Inspector General of Registration Swaminathan. The other members are Sivaganga Assistant Inspector General of Registration Srinivasan, Salem West Sub-Registrar Geetha, Virudhunagar Sub-Registrar Khaja Mohaideen, Virudhunagar Sub-Registrar Office Assistant Mohanraj and Muthukrishnan, an assistant attached to the office of the Tirunelveli Deputy Inspector General of Registration.

The committee has been asked to scrutinise all registrations made during the specified period, with particular focus on whether any documents were registered in violation of Section 22A of the Registration Act, which prohibits the registration of certain categories of properties.

“The committee shall conduct a special audit of all documents registered during the period, ascertain whether there were violations of Section 22A of the Registration Act, assess any loss caused, and submit its report within three days,” the department said in its order.

The audit is also expected to quantify any financial or administrative loss allegedly caused during Justin Manikandan’s tenure and recommend appropriate follow-up action based on its findings.

Rain likely in catchment areas

In a post on X, Pradeep John said, "Today and tomorrow are likely to be the best days for widespread Southwest Monsoon rains across the Western Ghats." He said widespread rainfall is expected in Kerala, Karnataka—especially the Cauvery catchment areas—and the hilly regions of Tamil Nadu, including Valparai, the Nilgiris, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari.

Rain may boost dam inflows

The rainfall is expected to improve water availability in catchment areas and increase inflows into reservoirs. However, John cautioned that "it is unlikely to erase the overall water deficit, as the seasonal shortfall across many Western Ghats catchments remains substantial."

August rainfall outlook

He warned that "the rest of August currently appears relatively inactive, with below-normal rainfall expected over much of the Southwest Monsoon catchments." August is usually one of the wettest months of the southwest monsoon and contributes significantly to reservoir inflows in the Western Ghats.

With the southwest monsoon having largely disappointed in June, John said a below-normal August "is the coffin in the nail for SWM after massive failure in June," underscoring concerns over the season's overall performance.

Chennai weather forecast

For Chennai, John said, "Chennai also has a good chance of seeing fast-moving spells of rain later this evening and into the night as moisture increases and passing convective clouds move across the region."

The meeting comes ahead of Vijay's scheduled meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on August 3 (Monday) in Bengaluru to discuss the Cauvery river water dispute, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

The leaders are scheduled to meet at the Vidhana Soudha (Assembly Complex) conference hall. The proposed meeting has drawn opposition from Tamil farmers, political leaders, and Karnataka farmers.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on Tuesday ordered Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water for 15 days, which would enable Tamil Nadu to receive about 4 TMC. The Cauvery Water Management Authority upheld the order on Wednesday.

What's the issue?

The Cauvery river water-sharing dispute has been a long-running issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Each year during the monsoon, the dispute intensifies. Due to insufficient rainfall in Karnataka this year too, the issue has escalated into a crisis.

Tamil Nadu will approach the Supreme Court to secure its due share of Cauvery water, Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar said on Friday, dismissing Karnataka's stand on the issue.

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had on Wednesday invited Vijay to visit Karnataka's Cauvery reservoir region after Vijay expressed a desire to discuss the issue, saying the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister could see firsthand the prevailing water scarcity caused by the severe drought.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant informed the court about the recusal of Justice Mohana and said that he, alongwith Justice Joymalya Bagchi, will take up the plea at 1 pm owing to the urgency.

On Thursday, the top court agreed to hear the plea of Balaji seeking pre-arrest bail in a fresh corruption case pertaining to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).

The Madras High Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail petition of Balaji in the fresh FIR lodged by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in the TASMAC scam case.

Soon after the denial, the top court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant was urged by senior lawyers Kapil Sibal, Mukul Rohatgi and Amit Anand Tiwari on behalf of the DMK leader that his plea be listed for urgent hearing as he faces imminent coercive action.

Balaji represents Coimbatore South in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

According to the fresh FIR, a large-scale scam took place in TASMAC in the allotment of shops and bars.

Balaji alleged that the FIR quoted verbatim the affidavit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the petition filed by the anti-money laundering probe agency before the Supreme Court.

In fact, the FIR itself at various places says that it is from the counter affidavit and petition of the ED, the plea said.

"Our contention is that the FIR is for the incident said to have been committed between 2021 and 2025. I am at no flight risk; no custodial interrogation required. I was the minister of the department and TASMAC is a corporation independent in existence and functioning," said Tiwari, a senior advocate. He also termed the move an instance of political vendetta.

The FIR details a systematic cash-kickback scheme involving tens of crores, where bottle supply companies generated bogus or inflated invoices for distilleries.

TASMAC retail shops systematically collected amounts in excess of the maximum retail price (MRP) from consumers in an organised manner, overcharging between Rs 10 and Rs 100 for standard liquor and up to Rs 500 for foreign liquor, the FIR states.

The case has been registered under sections 120B, 167, 409, 109, and 420 of the IPC, corresponding provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (including Sections 61(2), 201, 316(5), 49, and 318(4)), and sections 7(c), 12, 13(1)(a), and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).

"Legally, we need to get the required water through the Supreme Court," said Tamil Nadu Law Minister.

Addressing reporters here, Kumar stated that Karnataka persistently refuses to release water, even when directed by the commission to discharge specific quantities. Emphasising that the neighbouring state has historically built its politics around denying water, he noted that Tamil Nadu is prepared to secure the rights of its farmers through legal means.

"Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is actively consulting with legal experts and stakeholders, and is expected to announce the state's comprehensive legal strategy and final decisions within a week. The government is currently evaluating multiple avenues, which include approaching the apex court, pushing for a tribunal, conducting inter-state negotiations, or exerting pressure on the Union government," he added.