Tamil Nadu CM Vijay seeks Supreme Court Bench in Chennai from PM Modi
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay wrote to the Prime Minister requesting a permanent bench to benefit litigants across southern states.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting steps to establish a Bench of the Supreme Court in Chennai, according to reports by ANI and ThePrint.
In the letter, Vijay stated that the demand for a Chennai bench is a long-pending issue first raised by the state in 1980. He noted that the issue was also discussed at a conference of Chief Justices in 1979.
Citing Article 130 of the Constitution, the Chief Minister said that litigants from South India must travel to New Delhi for redressal. He argued that a bench in Chennai would benefit all southern states and reflect the federal character of the nation.
Vijay highlighted that the Madras High Court, established in 1862, is one of the oldest chartered high courts in India and noted the professional competence of the Bar Council of Madras. He said that current access to the court is practically limited to those who are financially able or geographically close to New Delhi.
The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to take up the matter afresh with the Supreme Court to reconsider its stand. He cited recommendations from Parliamentary Standing Committees in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2021, as well as Law Commission reports regarding regional benches.
The letter also referenced a 2007 Supreme Court Full Court meeting that rejected the proposal despite assurances regarding infrastructure. Vijay maintained that a regional bench would not affect judicial independence as control would remain with the Chief Justice of India.