Set up SC Bench in Chennai, Tamil Nadu CM urges Modi

5 NOVEMBER 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take steps to establish a Bench of the Supreme Court in Chennai.
Over time, the remedy under Article 32 had become practically available only to citizens who were geographically close to the Supreme Court, and were financially privileged to meet the cost of litigation and travel, he said.
Mr. Vijay said it was one of the long-pending demands of Tamil Nadu. It was first mooted by the State in 1980, citing several factors, including the difficulties faced by litigants from southern States in travelling to New Delhi to seek legal remedy.
Referring to Article 130 of the Constitution, he pointed out that the Supreme Court could sit in Delhi or any other place or places as decided by the Chief Justice of India, with the approval of the President, from time to time.
He recalled that the issue was discussed at the conference of Chief Justices in 1979.
The Chief Minister said locating the Bench in Chennai, an important city in south India, would benefit all southern States.
He highlighted the professional competence and talent of the Madras High Court Bar, and the fact that the Madras High Court, established in 1862, was one of the oldest chartered High Courts in India.