Addressing a press conference in Madurai, Mr. Moorthy challenged Mr. Nirmal Kumar to produce proof for his allegation that he had received a 20 per cent commission from illegal property registrations.

"There are 589 Registration Offices in Tamil Nadu. Every Registration Office maintains records. If the Law Minister claims that I interfered in any registration or received a 20 per cent commission, let him produce evidence and identify the Registration Office, the officials involved and the transaction concerned," Mr. Moorthy said.

"The only reason I am responding today is that if someone repeats a false allegation ten times, people may begin to believe it is true. I have only one request to him—prove it with evidence," he said.

Mr. Moorthy alleged that instead of explaining what the present government had achieved during its first 60 days in office, the Law Minister Nirmal Kumar was repeatedly referring to the previous five years under the DMK government and alleging that illegal registrations had taken place during that period.

"I openly state that during my five years as Registration Minister, I never instructed even a single Sub-Registrar to register any property in violation of the law," he said, adding that if there had been isolated instances of wrongdoing, departmental authorities would have taken action against the officials concerned.

Referring to the ₹100-crore Palani temple land registration case, Mr. Moorthy claimed that temple properties cannot legally be registered because they listed as prohibited properties in the Registration Department's records.

"Whether it is temple land, government land, waterbody poramboke land, Waqf Board property or any other prohibited property, registration cannot be carried out because the government has flagged it (as prohibited) in the sub-registrar office," he said.

Citing the Tirupparankundram temple as an example, Mr. Moorthy said even long-time occupants of temple land could not obtain ownership because the properties continued to stand in the name of HR&CE Department. “The entire village in front of the Tirupparankundram temple had been occupied by people who had been paying taxes and living there for 50 or 60 years. However, about five years ago, those lands were identified as belonging to the temple and were brought under the temple's ownership., said Moorthy adding that this demonstrated that the Registration Department did not permit the registration of temple properties.

Further explaining the process of registration, the former Minister said a registration token must be generated a day in advance for registering any property and a registration could not have taken place accidentally or without officials being aware of the process.

Mr. Moorthy said the Registration Department has multiple levels of supervision, including the Sub-Registrar (SR), District Registrar (DR), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and Additional Inspector General (AIG).

Referring to the Palani temple land registration case, the former Minister claimed that the officer concerned was on leave on the day in question. He further claimed that two Sub-Registrars who had handled the matter earlier had declined to register the document and that it was registered only after another officer took charge. “We welcome CBCID investigation into issue” he said.

Mr. Moorthy accused Mr. Nirmal Kumar for making allegations against him to evading direct questions on the issue. He further alleged that the Law Minister had spent the past 60 days holding press conferences instead of concentrating on the two departments under his charge. "He speaks about every department as though he is a shadow Chief Minister," he claimed.

In a statement, Anbumani said reports suggesting that industrial officials had opposed the proposal for job reservation in private industrial and commercial establishments, if true, amounted to a betrayal of the principles of social justice.

The PMK leader said his party had consistently urged the government to honour this commitment and accused certain officials and sections of the industry of attempting to derail the initiative even before it could be implemented.

TVK's election promise

He recalled that the ruling TVK, in its Assembly election manifesto, had promised incentives for private companies that employed Tamil Nadu youth for 75 per cent of their workforce. According to the manifesto, such companies would be eligible for a 2.5 per cent subsidy on GST and a 5 per cent subsidy on electricity charges.

Stating that the proposed reservation would create greater employment opportunities for local youth, Anbumani called on the government to move beyond policy announcements and bring in a legislation to ensure it is been implemented.

He said the State should not allow vested interests to weaken measures intended to protect the employment rights of Tamil Nadu's youth and urged the government to fulfil its poll promise at the earliest.

After weathering months of legal battles, an online leak, and a highly publicised standoff with the censor board, the highly anticipated film is finally set to hit the silver screen on July 23.

Production has peaked as fans from across the state flood local manufacturers with massive orders for custom T-shirts featuring the actor-turned-politician’s portrait and movie branding to celebrate the grand theatrical release.

"Since the movie release was announced a few days back, Tirupur textile units here were working overtime to manufacture customised Jana Nayagan T-shirts," K Prabakaran, member of the Tirupur Textile Unit Association said.

Tirupur manufacturing unit turns into celebration mode

With just four days left for the movie release, over 700 knitwear units are involved in T-shirt production. To accommodate the rush, most local manufacturers are offering courier services and cash-on-delivery (COD) across Tamil Nadu.

"We haven't seen this level of excitement in years," K Seva Nathan, a local garment factory owner, said.

He noted that orders are pouring in from not just Tamil Nadu, but also neighbouring states like Kerala and Karnataka.

The T-shirts feature iconic stills of the CM Vijay alongside the film's title, with many orders including slogans celebrating his political journey".

According to him, printers are working double shifts to meet the deadlines before the film hits the silver screen. "For the workers, many of whom are die-hard fans themselves, this is more than just regular work, it is a tribute to their favourite star."

As Jananayagan prepares to storm the theatres, Tirupur is effectively dressing the state for what promises to be an emotional and grand farewell to one of cinema's biggest box-office productions.

A die-hard fan of actor Vijay based in Chennai, Jayanth said, "We have ordered 500 T-shirts from a Tirupur textile manufacturing unit for Vijay's fan club and we expect the delivery well before the movie release."

"The release is not just a movie premiere, but a historic cultural event," he added.

One last time

Sources from the Tamil Nadu Film Distributors' Association said the film will likely be screened in about 1,000 theatres in Tamil Nadu from July 23.

The film's journey to certification was marred by significant delays, legal interventions and piracy issues.

'Jana Nayagan' features a prominent ensemble cast, including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj and Narain.

The film has music by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan, and editing by Pradeep E Ragav.

This network will facilitate emergency care, advanced burn care, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and follow-up medical monitoring in case of fireworks accident, she said.

"The future of Sivakasi (a fireworks hub) is not only linked to industrial development but also to a safe and world-class healthcare infrastructure. Under the guidance of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, we have submitted a detailed project report on Comprehensive Firecracker Accident Management System to Health Minister K G Arunraj," she said on ‘X.’

"Through this project, our aim is to create a regional burn care and emergency medical network integrating the cities of Sivakasi – Virudhunagar – Madurai. This will be a pioneering initiative to create an integrated treatment system from the moment of an accident occurs to emergency care, advanced burn care, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and follow-up medical monitoring," she said.

The goal was to ensure fast, quality and modern medical care to thousands of workers working in the firecracker industry and the public, and to make Sivakasi a model for India in occupational safety and emergency health management, Keerthana said.

"Managing a city is not just about building roads and buildings. It is also about creating systems that protect the lives, hopes, and futures of the people. On that journey, we are all working together to create a safe, modern Sivakasi," the minister stressed.

On an average 10 to 20 major fire accidents take place annually in Virudhunagar district, leading to casualties. As per official statistics, it recorded 89 accidents resulting in 134 deaths and 89 injuries between 2022 and mid-2025.

A devastating explosion at a manufacturing unit in Kattanarpatti village near Sivakasi in April this year left 25 workers dead and many injured. The mishap allegedly happened due to overcrowding of workers in a single room and safety violations.

He described the excavations as significant not only for Tamils but also for world civilisation.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Keezhadi Open-Air Museum in Sivaganga district and the historic Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions and Jain rock beds at Mangulam near Madurai, the minister said the archaeological discoveries at Keezhadi, including brick structures, drainage systems, bead-making evidence and industrial remains, highlighted the sophistication of early Tamil civilisation.

He said the State government would continue scientific excavations at Keezhadi in consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take it to the global stage, and hinted that more significant archaeological discoveries from other sites in the State would be announced at an appropriate time with adequate scientific evidence.

During his visit to Mangulam, Rajmohan examined the ancient rock beds and Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions in the presence of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director and Archaeology Department Director Jeyaseelan, Madurai Collector M Nishanth Krishna and local legislators.

Describing the Mangulam Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions as one of the oldest historical treasures dating back to the Sangam era, he said the government had instructed the Archaeology and Tourism Departments to improve basic infrastructure, install digital information and wayfinding boards, and strengthen conservation measures to make the site more accessible to tourists and researchers. He added that a detailed report on the site's conservation and development would be submitted to Chief Minister Vijay.

In a government release, the Chief Minister congratulated Tamil film personalities on this historic feat, as the film fraternity hadn't reached the double-digit mark at the national level in recent years.

Chief Minister Vijay extended his congratulations to all the award winners and said the recognition reflected the creative excellence and enduring strength of the State’s film industry.

The Chief Minister noted that the Dhanush-starrer Raayan, directed by the actor, was adjudged the Best Tamil Feature Film. The release also pointed out that Captain Miller won the Best Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values award, while actor Dhanush received the Special Jury Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film.

Rajkumar Periasamy was named Best Director for Amaran. R Kalaivanan won the award for Best Editing, while G V Prakash Kumar secured the Best Background Score honour for the same film; the release added, sharing CM Vijay's confidence in the industry's capabilities.

CM Vijay also praised the filmmakers of Maharaja, as Anal Arasu was recognised with the Best Action Direction award, and Sachana Namidass received the Best Supporting Actress award. G Suren was honoured with the Special Jury Award for Best Sound Mixing for Meiyazhagan, while TS Harihara Sudhan won the Best Sound Design award for the short film Blue, the release pointed out.

“Winning 10 National Film Awards is a proud achievement for Tamil cinema. I congratulate all the artists and technicians and wish the industry many more such laurels in the years ahead,” CM Vijay said.

The transfer was carried out under heavy police security after the Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Additional Superintendent of Police Kalaiarasan, questioned the accused inmates and other prisoners and reportedly gathered crucial evidence in the case.

The victim, Sabari Varman, a grocery shop owner from Eethankadu near Samithoppu, was arrested in a gutka-related case and remanded to judicial custody. He died inside the prison on July 13.

Police alleged that prison warders and a group of inmates tied up Sabarivarman before assaulting him. Three prison warders — Jagan, Suresh and Sivakumar — have been arrested and suspended from service, while eight inmates have also been arrested in connection with the case.

Following the incident, Sabarivarman's family initially refused to receive the body, demanding that the post-mortem findings be made public. They withdrew the protest after the district administration assured them of action. The State government announced a relief package, including Rs 10 lakh, a house site with free housing, educational assistance and a government job for an eligible family member.

The green body was hearing the matter where it had taken suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report regarding the gas leak.

In an order dated July 2, made available recently, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad observed that the matter indicates a prima facie violation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, besides raising "substantial issues" on compliance with environmental norms.

The tribunal noted several glaring safety lapses during the initial probe by authorities.

"Several violations, including industrial safety norms, were noted against the proponent (sea food processing unit). A suitable alarm system, fire hydrant, or Form 12 register for the Employee State Insurance (ESI) scheme were not found," the bench said.

It mentioned that while the Tamil Nadu government has provided Rs 2 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased, the matter requires investigation into environmental compliance.

The tribunal impleaded as parties or respondents the Member Secretary of the Central CPCB, the Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), the Chennai Regional Office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and the District Magistrate of Tiruvallur.

"Issue notice to the above respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit before the Southern Zonal Bench of the tribunal (in Chennai) at least one week before the next date of hearing (on August 31)," the green tribunal said.

Citing jurisdictional reasons, the tribunal has transferred the case to its Southern Zonal Bench in Chennai for further proceedings. The respondents have been directed to file their replies via affidavit at least one week before the next hearing.

The matter is scheduled for hearing before the Southern Zonal Bench on August 31.

Addressing a press conference in Madurai, Moorthy challenged Nirmalkumar to produce proof for the allegation that he had received a 20 per cent commission from illegal property registrations.

Substantiate allegations with proof, Moorthy challenges minister

"There are 589 Registration Offices in Tamil Nadu. Every Registration Office maintains records. If the Law Minister claims that I interfered in any registration or received a 20 per cent commission, let him produce evidence and identify the Registration Office, the officials involved, and the transaction concerned," Moorthy said.

"The only reason I am responding today is that if someone repeats a false allegation 10 times, people may begin to believe it is true. I have only one request to him – prove your allegation with evidence," he said.

TVK-led govt has no achievement to show

The DMK leader alleged that instead of explaining what the present government had achieved during its first 60 days in office, Minister Nirmalkumar was repeatedly referring to the previous five years under the DMK government and alleging that illegal registrations had taken place during that period.

"I openly state that during my five years as registration minister, I never instructed even a single Sub-Registrar to register any property in violation of the law," he claimed, adding that if there had been isolated instances of wrongdoing, departmental authorities would have taken action against the officials concerned.

Moorthy accused Nirmalkumar of making allegations against him to evade direct questions on the issue. He further alleged that the minister had spent the past 60 days holding press conferences instead of concentrating on the two departments under his charge. "He speaks about every department as though he is a shadow chief minister," he claimed.

Rs 100-crore Palani temple land sale scam

Referring to the Rs 100-crore Palani temple land registration case, Moorthy claimed that temple properties cannot legally be registered because they are listed as prohibited properties in the Registration Department's records.

The former minister claimed that the officer concerned was on leave on the day in question. He further claimed that two Sub-Registrars who had handled the matter earlier had declined to register the document and that it was registered only after another official took charge. “We welcome the CB-CID investigation into issue” he said.

Measures in place to prevent illegal registration

Explaining the process of registration, the former minister said a registration token must be generated a day in advance for registering any property and a registration could not have taken place accidentally or without officials being aware of the process.

Moorthy said the Registration Department has multiple levels of supervision, including the Sub-Registrar (SR), District Registrar (DR), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and Additional Inspector General (AIG).

"Whether it is temple land, government land, waterbody poramboke land, Waqf Board property, or any other prohibited property, registration cannot be carried out because the government has flagged it (as prohibited) in the sub-registrar office," he said.

Moorthy cites Tirupparankundram example

Citing the Tirupparankundram temple as an example, Moorthy said even long-time occupants of temple land could not obtain ownership because the properties continued to stand in the name of the HR&CE Department.

“The entire village in front of the Tirupparankundram temple had been occupied by people who had been paying taxes and living there for 50 or 60 years. However, about five years ago, those lands were identified as belonging to the temple and were brought under the temple's ownership,” said Moorthy, adding that this demonstrated that the Registration Department did not permit the registration of temple properties.

The issue was raised by DMK leader Tiruchi Siva at the customary all-party meeting convened ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament, which begins on Monday.

"The DMK is in favour of the Women's Reservation Bill on the current strength in the Lok Sabha, but we want more clarity on the delimitation issue," he told reporters after the meeting.

Siva said the delimitation exercise should not adversely affect the southern states and sought greater clarity from the government.

"If it affects the southern states, it should be put in abeyance for 25 years," Siva said.

Police sources on Sunday (July 19) said that the incident unfolded on the evening of July 15, when the victim was talking with a male friend.

Vinoth Kumar, a constable attached to the Thudiyalur police station who was on patrol duty, spotted the duo.

Instead of passing by or ensuring their safety, the officer cornered the couple and aggressively questioned their presence there.

He then ordered the young woman to step aside for a separate inquiry.

Once isolated, the constable reportedly targeted her with obscene language and subjected her to sexual harassment.

Traumatised by the ordeal, the woman broke down and informed her friend, who immediately escalated the matter by lodging a formal complaint detailing the officer's predatory behaviour with senior police officials.

Taking swift action, top brass conducted a preliminary inquiry, resulting in Vinoth Kumar’s immediate suspension and subsequent arrest.

In an official release, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of pride for the state that the Tamil film fraternity secured major wins across various categories for films released in 2024.

The awards were announced in New Delhi on Saturday night.

Extending his greetings to the winners, Vijay lauded actor-director Dhanush, whose directorial venture 'Raayan' won the award for best Tamil film. Dhanush also earned a special mention for best actor for his performance in 'Captain Miller'.

The CM congratulated the team of 'Amaran', which swept three key categories. Rajkumar Periasamy won best director, R Kalaivanan secured best editing and G V Prakash Kumar bagged the award for best background music.

The official release further highlighted the achievements of the film 'Maharaja,' which saw Anal Arasu winning best stunt choreography and Sachana Namidass securing the best supporting actress honour.

Other notable winners from the state included Suren G, who received a special mention in audiography for the film 'Meiyazhagan', and T S Hariharasudhan, who won best sound design for the short film 'Blue'.

Wishing the fraternity continued success, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the Tamil film industry would bring home many more such accolades in the future.

The paddy procured from farmers has been stacked at the centre for over 20 days.

Some of the gunny bags have been damaged, and goats from nearby areas feed on the spilt grain, causing further damage.

Farmers said if paddy bags are stolen during the night, it would be difficult to identify those responsible due to the lack of adequate security at the centre.

According to Villupuram South District Secretary of the TVK, N Mohanraj, Gnanasoundari “teamed up with opponents and made false allegations, and conducted herself contrary to the party’s policies, discipline and regulations.” She was removed from the primary membership of the party on July 17, Mohanraj said in a statement. He advised the party members not to have any contact with her.

Gnanasoundari, an advocate, had moved the Madras

High Court against TVK senior leaders over the appointment of government advocates in Villupuram district, alleging that bribes were paid for temporary appointments of government pleaders - a charge rejected by the party.

The party’s action on her follows the court disposing of her public interest litigation on July 17, after the Advocate General clarified that the current appointments were only temporary and that the formal appointment process involving thousands of candidates would take about three to six months.

The court noted that the names of certain leaders were included in the petition to hog media attention and ordered that the names be dropped from the petition after her counsel agreed to drop the leaders’ names from the petition.

Gnanasoundari, an advocate, had moved the Madras High Court against TVK senior leaders over the appointment of government advocates in Villupuram district, alleging corruption

"The 38.5-km stretch, extending from Paramanandal to Athipattu and forming part of the Paramanandal-Jamunamarathur route, serves as the primary access road for 217 tribal villages in the Jawadhu Hills. It is the region's lifeline for education, healthcare, employment, agricultural trade and other essential services, while also providing connectivity for tourists visiting the hill station.

Recognising its significance, the Tamil Nadu government announced the preparation of a Detailed Project Report for widening the road during the 2022-23 Budget," a release issued by the Highways department read.

The project subsequently received administrative sanction for Rs 120 crore. However, as more than 23 km of the alignment passes through reserved forest land, execution depended on obtaining statutory approvals from multiple agencies.

The proposal for diversion of forest land was revised and resubmitted in May 2025 before being examined by the Project Screening Committee, the State Forest Department and the Regional Office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Stage-I forest clearance was accorded on February 11, 2026, while the final stage-II approval was granted on June 18 after the proposal received clearance from the Central Empowered Committee constituted under the directions of the Supreme Court.

The contract has been awarded to CDR Infracon Limited. Official progress reports show that 3.5 km of granular sub-base work has been completed, besides the construction of 10 pipe culverts and 23 box culverts. Bridge works, drainage, retaining walls and other civil works are under way.

While the contract envisaged 25 per cent completion by June 21, around 20 per cent of the work has been completed so far.

Officials said the remaining works are being accelerated to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated contractual period.

The First Bench, comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, dismissed the petition filed by Chennai-based Viswanathan, who had challenged the Government Order dated July 24, 2025, issued for the construction of the bus stand adjacent to the temple.

The bench noted that the petitioner had earlier filed a writ petition seeking to restrain the government from proceeding with the project. That petition was dismissed on June 10, 2026, after the court examined the merits of the case and found that the bus stand was being constructed in accordance with law.

Observing that the GO was already in existence when the earlier petition was filed, the court held that the petitioner could not mount a fresh challenge to the same order after the earlier writ petition had been dismissed on merits.

Holding that the second writ petition seeking identical relief was not maintainable, the bench said filing successive petitions on the same issue amounted to misuse of the process of law.

The court dismissed the PIL with costs of Rs 10,000 and directed the petitioner to pay the amount to the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority within one month.

Police sources said the arrested persons are in the finance business. The police have seized about Rs 2.82 crore unaccounted cash from them. The arrested persons have been identified as Selvam Karunanidhi (52) of Korattur and Saravanan (45) of Saligramam.

Poaching TVK MLA

Elaiyaraja, the TVK MLA from Uthangarai in Krishnagiri district, approached the Chennai Police Commissioner on June 29 stating he was approached by a man, identified as Thirunavukkarasu, with the offer.

Thirunavukkarasu claimed he ran a survey firm named Indian Political Democratic Strategies (IPDS). He had approached the MLA, offering Rs 35 crore as an inducement.

In his complaint, Elaiyaraja alleged that Thirunavukkarasu not only tried to bribe him but also issued threats to him and his family. He sought legal action against Thirunavukkarasu and those backing him.

Anticipatory bail

Among the arrested persons are functionaries from both DMK and the AIADMK and close associates of former minister and DMK MLA V Senthilbalaji and his brother Ashok Kumar. Both Senthilbalaji and Ashok Kumar secured conditional anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court last week.

The first export consignment of value-added Samba chilli products from there was flagged off by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Virudhunagar. The consignment is being exported to Sri Lanka, and will also dispatched to Andhra Pradesh and Haryana. Equally importantly, the products made from the famous chilli will also be available on e-commerce platforms, ensuring a steady and healthy income for the farmers by expanding the scope and scale of their trading horizon.

Minister Sitharaman also inaugurated a SIDBI-supported Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO) for GI-tagged Samba chilli products. Addressing the gathering, the minister said the FPO, which produces GI-tagged Samba chillies and value-added chilli products, is a model for the country, as it goes beyond providing credit by extending comprehensive support to farmers, including value addition, marketing, and export facilitation.

The farmers use less pesticides in Samba chilli cultivation, making the produce highly suitable for export, Sitharaman noted. Earlier, while sharing the success story of the FPO in Virudhunagar at the 'YiFi' Entrepreneurship Summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Madurai, the Union Minister said, "Virudhunagar district, which is an Aspirational District, haven't met the State's average performance level.

“At the national level, we identified 114 districts to start with. We call them not backward, but aspirational, so that all the government schemes converge there and lift them,” she said, adding that Virudhunagar had performed well after eight years of being an Aspirational District. “Amazing work has been done in terms of quality and branding, and the products have started being exported. In the process, farmers have revived traditional rice varieties that had disappeared from the market. The highly nutritious red rice varieties such as Mappillai Samba and Kavuni have been beautifully packaged.” She also praised SIDBI officials for helping farmers access export opportunities in addition to providing financial assistance.

The drill, mandated once every three years by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), simulated an emergency originating from the PFBR, which achieved first criticality on April 6, 2026, a key milestone in India's second-stage nuclear power programme.

The exercise was led by Chengalpattu District Collector M Veerappan in his capacity as Incident Commander, with technical support from the Kalpakkam Emergency Committee headed by Madras Atomic Power Station director SB Selvakumaran, who also served as the Site Emergency Director. PFBR Station Director Allu Ananth also participated.

Officials said the objective was to test the coordination and preparedness of the district administration and DAE units to respond to a nuclear emergency, despite the multiple safety layers built into nuclear facilities.

The simulated incident was compressed into a single-day exercise from 9 am to 4.30 pm. It began with a notional event at the PFBR, following which site authorities declared an off-site emergency and alerted the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Based on weather conditions and technical inputs, the DDMA implemented protective measures in the designated emergency planning zone.

The exercise covered Arambakkam, Manamai, Kadambadi, Edaiyur, Kokilamedu, Vadakadambadi, Perumaleri, Kunnathur, Poonjeri and Mamallapuram. Officials stressed that all field actions were notional and that normal public life and traffic remained unaffected.

Around 15 senior officials from the National Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Management Authority, AERB, NPCIL and BHAVINI observed the drill and expressed satisfaction with the overall preparedness.

District Collector M Veerappan said the exercise had strengthened the district's command-and-control capability to handle a nuclear emergency while ensuring there was no inconvenience to the public.

Personnel from the Revenue, Police, Health, Fire and Rescue Services, Rural Development, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Transport and Public Relations departments, besides the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), took part in the exercise.

During the week, SSF personnel traced nine missing women and nine missing children, rescued and rehabilitated eight persons with intellectual disabilities, prevented eight child marriages and helped re-enrol 44 school dropout children.

The force conducted patrols at 9,572 vulnerable locations and organised 3,711 awareness programmes on women's safety, child protection and legal rights. Pocso cases were registered in Thoothukudi, Thanjavur and Chennai City, while timely intervention in several districts led to the arrest and remand of accused involved in sexual offences, harassment and criminal intimidation.

Complaints received during awareness programmes also resulted in criminal cases and arrests.

Though Lakhani cited personal reasons for his return, the move assumes significance as the incumbent Chief Secretary, M Sai Kumar, is due to retire on February 28, 2027. Lakhani, one of the senior-most IAS officers in the Tamil Nadu cadre, is likely to be among the frontrunners for appointment as the next Chief Secretary.

Lakhani had gone on central deputation last year and was appointed as Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, under the Department of School Education and Literacy.

After completing nearly a year in the post, he opted to return to the State. Speaking to DT Next, Lakhani said he had sought repatriation due to personal reasons.

He began his administrative career as Assistant Collector in Dharmapuri in 1992. He later served as District Collector of Kanniyakumari (2003-04) and Theni (2005-06).

During his career, he held several key positions, including Commissioner of Municipal Administration, Secretary of SIPCOT and Secretary of the Tourism Department. He also served as Tamil Nadu's Chief Electoral Officer from 2016 to 2018.

He subsequently served as Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, and Commissioner of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management in the rank of Additional Chief Secretary.

After completing more than 33 years of service in Tamil Nadu, Lakhani proceeded on Central deputation. With the ACC approving his premature repatriation, he is set to return to the State cadre. He will continue his service until May 31, 2029, when he reaches superannuation.

In a letter addressed to NTK chief coordinator Seeman, Kalanjiyam said he was stepping down from all party responsibilities as well as his primary membership, citing differences over the party's present course and political approach.

He also thanked Seeman for giving him the opportunity to contest in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, describing it as a significant moment in his political journey. However, Kalanjiyam said he was deeply disappointed by what he described as changes in the movement's functioning and the quality of criticism directed at alternative political leaders and individuals.

Stating that Tamil nationalist politics should transcend hate-based politics and promote an inclusive transfer of power, he said he could not accept instances where party members engaged in hostility towards members and supporters of other political organisations.

"Criticism should be policy-based and not turn into personal attacks," he said, adding that derogatory remarks against former associates and those holding differing views were inconsistent with the values and culture of the Tamil nationalist movement.

Kalanjiyam said his political understanding and approach to advancing Tamil nationalist ideology now differed from the party's current direction. While expressing continued respect for Seeman, he said it would not be healthy to continue within the organisation amid such ideological differences.

"Therefore, I am formally resigning from the responsibilities I hold from Naam Tamilar Katchi. My journey in Tamil nationalist politics will continue as a younger brother in the movement," he said in the letter.

At the survey section, they examined the mobile phones of employees and scrutinised online transactions, including those made through GPay. Officials found suspicious GPay transactions amounting to Rs 2,00,800. According to sources, the explanations given by the officials concerned regarding these transactions were inconsistent. The team also seized Rs 5,500 from a person who was not a government employee inside the Taluk office, besides Rs 2,500 in unaccounted cash.

The minister also inaugurated and visited exhibition stalls set up by various departments, including Agriculture, Engineering, Horticulture, Tourism, Forest, Women's Self-Help Groups, Sericulture and the District Industries Centre. He said Yelagiri, popularly known as the "Ooty of the poor", would be developed further as a tourist destination. He assured that adequate funds would be secured for the development of tourism infrastructure and that the government was committed to improving tourist destinations.

Under the e-Zero FIR mechanism, cyber financial fraud complaints involving a financial loss of more than Rs 1 lakh reported through the 1930 Helpline are automatically integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) for registration of an e-Zero FIR.

Integration of the 1930 Helpline with CCTNS eliminates duplicate data entry, enables faster case registration and seamless jurisdictional transfer, and supports timely investigation, fraud freezing, digital evidence preservation, and improved fund recovery during the critical Golden Hour, police said.

The e-Zero FIR is electronically transferred to the jurisdictional Cyber Crime Police Station for investigation and later converted into a regular FIR based on their jurisdiction.

As soon as an e-Zero FIR is registered, the victim will receive an SMS with directions to visit the jurisdictional police station within 3 days for further action, an official release stated. The complainant is required to visit the concerned police station within three days to authenticate the electronically submitted complaint and complete the formal registration process.

The e-Zero FIR system has been implemented under the provisions of Section 173 of the BNSS, which permits information relating to a cognisable offence to be furnished through electronic communication and enables registration of a Zero FIR irrespective of territorial jurisdiction. This ensures that legal action can commence without delay, even before territorial jurisdiction is determined.

Other than the e-Zero FIR mechanism in all types of cybercrime-related complaints, the public is advised to report immediately by calling 1930. Early reporting enables prompt police intervention and substantially improves the likelihood of recovering the lost money.

The implementation of the e-Zero FIR system marks another significant step by the Government of Tamil Nadu towards technology-enabled, citizen- centric policing and strengthening the State's response to cyber financial crimes, the release added.

The controversy arose after photographs and videos of Annamalai attending a school event circulated on social media. The institution's association with an RSS pracharak triggered criticism, with opponents claiming the visit reinforced allegations that We The Leaders continues to enjoy the backing of the RSS and the BJP.

The allegation has persisted since Annamalai revived the movement in June after quitting the BJP. Critics have described We The Leaders as the BJP's "B team", alleging that it was launched with the tacit approval of the BJP leadership and the support of the RSS to retain political influence outside the party structure.

The Tirupur event has renewed that debate, with social media users questioning whether Annamalai had truly severed ties with the BJP or was pursuing an independent political course with ideological support from the Sangh.

Senior RSS functionaries, however, rejected the allegations, maintaining that the Sangh has no role in Annamalai's political activities after his exit from the BJP.

"The RSS or the BJP has no connection with Annamalai after he quit the party. Leaving the BJP was entirely his own decision. The party high command had no role in anything that followed after June 5. Reviving We The Leaders and charting a separate political course are entirely his decisions. The RSS has absolutely no role in them," multiple RSS pracharaks told DT Next.

They also dismissed claims that the Sangh was indirectly backing Annamalai.

"We have no reason to operate through anyone. We neither support nor endorse his organisation. The allegations are baseless. Neither the BJP nor the RSS is backing Annamalai. For us, he is like any other political leader, whether it is MK Stalin, C Joseph Vijay or Seeman," they said.

The projects fall under the Tamil Nadu Climate Resilient Urban Development Programme (TNCRUDP), a six-year World Bank-assisted programme (2024-2030) focused on water security, climate resilience and urban governance, approved by the World Bank’s board in December 2023.

Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Ltd (TNUIFSL), the implementing agency, has floated a tender to appoint a consultant for the audit, covering 28 projects executed during 2024-25. It will examine whether urban local bodies (ULBs) and implementing agencies complied with the programme’s environmental and social safeguards.

Where deficiencies are found, the consultant is required to revisit the concerned projects after corrective measures have been implemented, and verify compliance before finalising the report

The projects fall under 4 categories. These include seven underground sewerage schemes involving only collection systems in Salem, Thoothukudi, Karaikudi, Tiruvarur, Krishnagiri, Theni and Avadi; seven underground sewerage schemes with sewage treatment plants in Tiruvannamalai, Pudukkottai, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Cuddalore, Dindigul and Kancheepuram; one city-wide water supply improvement project in Kancheepuram; and 13 pilot projects for round the clock water supply in Avadi, Karaikudi, Pudukkottai, Tiruchy, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Erode, Vellore, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Tambaram, Nagercoil and Rajapalayam.

Findings must be classified under 4 categories: compliance, non-compliance, best practices and areas requiring improvement. Where deficiencies are found, the consultant is required to revisit the concerned projects after corrective measures have been implemented, and verify compliance before finalising the report.

A significant component of the assignment is a study on manual scavenging. The study will review the policy and regulatory framework governing sewer cleaning in India and Tamil Nadu, identify gaps in commitments by ULBs under national regulations, examine circumstances requiring hazardous cleaning in programme cities and hold discussions with ULB officials, site officers, contractors and workers. It will also examine past instances of hazardous cleaning through on-site case studies and discussions with sanitation workers and officials covering the entire sewage management value chain, analyse the root causes of such incidents, review existing SOPs and guidance, assess training provided to ULBs

The assignment, spanning three months, will begin with an initial compliance report due within two weeks of commencement, to be followed by a draft audit report. This draft will first be reviewed by the implementing agencies and shared with the World Bank, before the consultant incorporates their observations and submits the final report.

The exercise is tied to the World Bank’s Programme-for-Results (PforR) financing model. Under PforR, the Bank first prepared an Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (ESSA) to check whether Tamil Nadu's existing systems were adequate to run the programme. That assessment fed into a Programme Action Plan (PAP), and the current audit will verify whether the executing agencies have delivered on those PAP commitments.

PROJECTS COVERED

• 7 underground sewerage collection schemes

• 7 underground sewerage schemes with sewage treatment plants

• 1 city wide water supply project

• 13 pilot 24x7 water supply projects

MANUAL SCAVENGING

• Review policy and regulations

• Study circumstances requiring hazardous sewer cleaning

• Examine past hazardous cleaning instances

• Assess training for officials, contractors and sanitation workers

• Review existing SOPs

• Recommend design guidelines and new SOPs

Presenting an analysis of the White Paper, Kalaiyarasan argued that the State's finances should not be judged by the size of its debt alone. "Debt is the outcome; the real issue is weakening revenue generation that pushes governments towards higher borrowings to meet committed expenditure," he said.

He identified six broad challenges: manageable debt relative to the economy's size; a sustained decline in own revenue generation; governance deficiencies explaining only part of the fiscal stress; shrinking fiscal autonomy under GST and the Centre-State framework; mounting liabilities in the power and transport sectors; and demographic and industrial shifts that could reshape the State's economy.

Kalaiyarasan said Tamil Nadu's own tax revenue has declined from around 8% of GSDP over the past decade to about 5.4%, despite continued economic growth, a trend that predates the present government and points to a structural issue. The GST leakages, undervaluation of properties affecting stamp duty, and weak tax administration explain only part of the decline, he said.

The bigger challenge, he argued, lies in changing the Centre-States fiscal relationship: Tamil Nadu now derives nearly 53% of its tax revenue through GST, limiting its ability to independently alter indirect tax rates, even as states shoulder the bulk of welfare and development spending.

On jobs, Kalaiyarasan said manufacturing is shifting towards capital-intensive sectors that generate fewer jobs than traditional industries, even as MSMEs continue to recover from the combined impact of demonetisation, GST and the pandemic.

Automation, AI and changing industrial patterns are slowing employment generation even as educational attainment rises, widening the gap between aspirations and available jobs, he said.

The White Paper also flags the State's debt-to-GSDP ratio at 28.3% in 2025-26, above the FRBM benchmark; mounting power and transport sector liabilities; and demographic shifts, including an ageing population, that could further strain finances, he said.

Without stronger revenue mobilisation and greater fiscal autonomy, he argued, sustaining Tamil Nadu's long-standing model of industrial growth alongside social welfare would become increasingly difficult.

Friday's energy consumption surpassed the previous record of 473.572 MU logged on Thursday, after the state had logged 472.263 MU on Wednesday, highlighting the sustained increase in electricity demand amid persistently high temperatures.

Heatwave-like conditions, coupled with a weak Southwest Monsoon, have pushed up electricity demand during July, a period when consumption typically declines after peaking in April and May.

The state's peak power demand touched an all-time high of 21,724 MW on Tuesday. Demand remained elevated at 21,717 MW on Thursday, well above the previous record of 21,307 MW recorded on April 29, 2026.

Despite the unprecedented demand, the TNPDCL officials said the utility was able to meet the load comfortably due to strong renewable energy generation. Wind and solar power together generated around 150 million units of electricity a day, substantially reducing reliance on conventional power sources.

However, TNPDCL officials said electricity demand is expected to ease from Saturday, as the weather department has forecast widespread rainfall across the state, which is likely to bring down temperatures and reduce the cooling load.

The denial came after Nithyananda posted on X that Kailasa representatives had met ministers  D Lokesh Tamilselvan, Srinath and Vanni Arasu, describing the interaction as a diplomatic engagement. He also shared photographs of the meeting and claimed his books, United States of Kailasa and History of Kailasa, were presented to the ministers.

However, Secretariat sources said no such diplomatic meeting took place.

"Ministers meet many people every day who come to submit petitions. The visitors appear to have handed over books and taken photographs. There was no official discussion or diplomatic engagement," the sources said.

Nithyananda's post claimed the books highlight the need to revive and protect Sanatana Dharma. The social media post has since triggered political discussion.

Allowing the Criminal Revision case, Justice L Victoria Gowri set aside the Judicial Magistrate's order accepting the police "undetected" or closure report and directed the Tirunelveli City Police Commissioner to entrust the investigation to a different officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police/Assistant Commissioner of Police under the supervision of a senior officer. The Court also directed the police to complete the investigation and file a final report within three months.

“This court is conscious of the limited scope of revisional jurisdiction. The revisional court doesn’t ordinarily interfere with every order passed by the learned Magistrate. However, where order suffers from non-application of mind, where relevant materials have not been considered, where the investigation appears incomplete, where the learned Magistrate has failed to exercise jurisdiction vested in law, the interference is justified," the Court said.

Observing that the present case is not one where the petitioner seeks the conviction of any named students by way of revision, the Justice said the limited prayer is for further investigation by a different competent officer under senior supervision.

The case relates to an alleged attack on the men's hostel senior warden's car following anti-ragging action against students at Tirunelveli Medical College in 2024 

The case relates to the plea over an alleged attack on the car of Dr Kannan Baba, the senior warden of the men's hostel at Tirunelveli Medical College Hostel in 2024.

The petitioner was entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring ragging activities. The attack followed a disciplinary action against final-year students in connection with the ragging of first-year students.

The police had filed an "undetected" report, which was accepted by the Magistrate before being challenged in the High Court.

Addressing an AIADMK protest at Pullambadi near Tiruchy against the alleged horse-trading attempts by the TVK, Valarmathi alleged that temple land worth Rs 100 crore had been registered for just Rs 2 crore. "We suspect a mega scam involving several high-profile persons. The police should secure the real culprits and initiate proper legal action," she said.

Valarmathi also criticised the State's law and order situation, citing the recent murder of 32-year-old N Senthamizh Selvi of Sirukalapur near Lalgudi. She alleged that the woman, who had gone out to answer nature's call, was sexually assaulted and murdered, and claimed the accused remained at large even 16 days after the incident.

"The offenders are not from foreign countries. They could be moving freely in the locality. What prevents the police from securing them?" she asked, accusing Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay of remaining silent on the issue.

Recalling the AIADMK regime under late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Valarmathi said Jayalalithaa had prioritised women's safety and public welfare by ordering the construction of integrated health complexes in villages after people sought public toilet facilities. She alleged that several of these facilities were closed down during the DMK regime, leading to an increase in crimes against women.

AIADMK Women's Wing Joint secretary and Lalgudi MLA Leema Rose Martin, district secretary TN Sivakumar and party functionaries participated in the protest.

Kanikkai Raj, a teacher from Ponmalaipatti in Tiruchy, was moving his car to the Church nearby at around 5.30 am on Saturday when the incident occurred. Two-year-old Vijo Joy, son of Ruban, was running after his grandmother to the church. Kanikkai Raj, who did not notice the child, hit him, and the boy sustained injuries.

Kanikkai Raj, along with the boy's parents and grandmother, rushed him to a private hospital in Tiruchy, but the doctors declared him dead. Cantonment South Traffic Intelligence Police registered a case.

In another incident, M Freddy (21), with his friend, K Arshith (21), riding pillion, was proceeding to college on his two-wheeler. When they were at Ariyamangalam on the Tiruchy-Thanjavur National Highway, an omni bus which overtook them, hit their two-wheeler, in which the duo were tossed off the road. Arshith, who sustained severe head injuries, died on the spot, while Freddy sustained injuries. Tiruchy South Traffic Intelligence Police rushed to the spot, retrieved the body and sent it to the GH and rushed injured Freddy also to the GH. Further investigations are on.

In a social media post, Shanmugam said the Centre had failed to take action against the "education mafia" allegedly behind the NEET paper leak, but had chosen to arrest activists who staged a peaceful protest against the issue.

He alleged that the government was attempting to silence legitimate voices of dissent through police action and "arbitrary arrests", calling it an "anti-democratic and authoritarian" approach.

Shanmugam further said the crackdown was aimed at diverting attention from the "failure" of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He urged all democratic forces across the country to unite and protest against what he described as a "cowardly act of repression."

He also asserted that the movement by protesting youth at Jantar Mantar would shake the foundations of those in power, adding that they would not be intimidated by repression.

The CPM leader demanded the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The First Bench, comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, dismissed the petition filed by Chennai-based Viswanathan, who had challenged the Government Order dated July 24, 2025, issued for the construction of the bus stand adjacent to the temple.

The bench noted that the petitioner had earlier filed a writ petition seeking to restrain the government from proceeding with the project. That petition was dismissed on June 10, 2026, after the court examined the merits of the case and found that the bus stand was being constructed in accordance with law.

Observing that the GO was already in existence when the earlier petition was filed, the court held that the petitioner could not mount a fresh challenge to the same order after the earlier writ petition had been dismissed on merits.

Holding that the second writ petition seeking identical relief was not maintainable, the bench said filing successive petitions on the same issue amounted to misuse of the process of law.

The court dismissed the PIL with costs of Rs 10,000 and directed the petitioner to pay the amount to the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority within one month.

A seven-member team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Ajith Thaman searched the residence of Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan in Dindigul, scrutinised documents, electronic devices and mobile phones, and reportedly seized documents found at the house.

"Though Manikandan was not present at the house, the police conducted an inquiry with his family members for nearly seven hours, from 7 am," a source said.

Another team, headed by CB-CID Superintendent of Police Shajitha, searched the Palani Sub-Registrar's Office (even though it was a holiday), examined land records and CCTV footage from the day of the registration, and questioned officials present.

The CB-CID also conducted searches at the houses of the alleged purchasers of the land in Palani. Both the purchasers, Sethupathi of Palani and Velladurai of Panankulam village in Tirupur district, were not at home, and their mobile phones were found switched off. The team searched Sethupathi's farmhouse, where investigators questioned his wife and seized a mobile phone and documents. "My husband is not in communication with me. The police seized my mobile phone," Rukumani, Sethupathi's wife, told reporters in Palani.

The CB-CID also searched the premises of DMK functionary Lakshmanan in Palani and the residence of document writer Jayaprakash in Oddanchatram. Another search of a residence, in the name of Mayilsamy, in Ayakudi could not be carried out because the house was locked. Both Lakshmanan and Mayilsamy were reportedly friends of one of the purchasers, Sethupathi.

The source also claimed that the CB-CID team conducted an inquiry with members of the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Mutt Trust in Tirunelveli.

Investigators are believed to have recovered important documents, which are expected to aid the investigation.

The case relates to the alleged fraudulent sale of 1.40 acres of land belonging to the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Mutt Trust, which is administered by the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple. The land, recently converted into a parking facility for devotees, was allegedly registered in favour of private individuals for Rs 2 crore on July 6.

Following a complaint from the temple's land division, the police initially registered a case against suspended Palani Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan and three others. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court later declared the registration invalid and transferred the probe to the CB-CID.

The High Court granted interim bail to Justin Manikandan on 17th July on the condition that he appear before the CB-CID police every day and cooperate with the investigation.

Shankaran, a retired Public Works Department engineer who resides at Vanniyarpatti Kollaimedu in Ammanangkuppam near Gudiyatham, has been running the poultry farm near his house for the past few years.

On Friday evening, a fire suddenly broke out at the poultry farm. The flames spread rapidly and engulfed the entire shed. Fire and Rescue Services personnel were alerted immediately.

A team led by Gudiyatham Fire Station Officer Saravanan rushed to the spot and battled the blaze for about an hour before bringing it under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby areas.

The fire destroyed the poultry shed. In the impact, all 2,500 fully grown chickens inside were charred to death. The loss has been estimated at around Rs 10 lakh.

Revenue officials and Gudiyatham Town police visited the spot after receiving information about the incident and have begun an inquiry.

The police are investigating whether the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit or any other reason.

He questioned whether the previous DMK government had ever ordered an investigation in such cases.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Integrated Rehabilitation Service Centre organised by the Department for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities in Madurai, the minister said the alleged irregularities in the Palani temple case warranted a detailed investigation, as several persons were suspected of involvement. "A large number of forged land registration documents have been created during the last five years. Hence, action will be taken against everyone involved, irrespective of who they are," the Minister said.

He urged the public to come forward and report any fraudulent land registrations made during the past five years.

Taking a dig at the previous DMK government, Nirmalkumar said that although illegal registrations using forged land documents had occurred even during the previous regime, only the present TVK government had the courage to order a wide probe into the issue. 

The family members accepted his body on Friday night following a multi-day protest, police said.

They mellowed down after independent human rights activists verified the integrity of the autopsy, and accepted the body of Varman, 35, a disabled shop-keeper, from Ethankadu here who allegedly died in judicial custody.

Three prison staff, including a chief warden were arrested and placed under suspension after a postmortem report indicated 19 injuries on the victim's body, including his elbows.

The police had registered a case against eight co-inmates of the Nagercoil sub-jail in connection with the death of Varman, who was arrested by the Thenthamaraikulam police allegedly for selling banned gutka.

Since his death, his family members have been staging a protest demanding a second postmortem and an independent probe as they suspected foul play in his death inside the prison. However, they launched a fresh protest at Ethankadu junction on Friday demanding the state government to immediately disburse welfare assistance to the affected family.

According to an official, senior revenue officials visited the residence of Varman's family and handed over a relief of Rs 10 lakh, a temporary government job to Varman's wife and a patta for 1.75 cents land.