The Chief Minister stated that a permanent bench would address practical difficulties for litigants across southern states.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting steps to establish a permanent bench of the Supreme Court in Chennai, according to ThePrint and ANI.
Vijay described the request as a long-pending demand of the state that was first raised in 1980. He noted that litigants from South India are currently forced to travel to New Delhi to seek redressal.
Citing Article 130 of the Constitution, the Chief Minister mentioned that the Supreme Court may sit in places appointed by the Chief Justice of India with the President's approval. He argued that a bench in Chennai would benefit all southern states and reflect the true federal character of the nation.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Bar Council of Madras possesses high professional competence and noted that the Madras High Court was established in 1862. He stated that a bench would not affect judicial independence as control would remain with the Chief Justice of India.
The letter noted that the demand is backed by Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendations from 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2021, as well as Law Commission reports. Vijay urged the Prime Minister to take up the issue afresh with the Supreme Court to reconsider its previous stands.
