CM Vijay writes to PM Modi, seeks Supreme Court bench in Chennai, a long pending demand of TN

In his letter, Vijay pointed out that Tamil Nadu first raised the demand in 1980, following concerns over the difficulties faced by litigants from southern states who have to travel to New Delhi to pursue cases before the Supreme Court. He argued that the distance, travel expenses and logistical challenges make access to justice particularly difficult for economically weaker sections.

The Chief Minister cited Article 130 of the Constitution, which provides for the Supreme Court to sit at a location other than Delhi, subject to the prescribed constitutional process involving the Chief Justice of India and the President's approval. He said Chennai, as a major judicial and administrative centre in southern India, would be an appropriate location for a regional bench serving all southern states.

Vijay also recalled that the Supreme Court's Full Court, at a meeting on August 7, 2007, had found no justification for departing from its earlier decisions against establishing regional benches, despite Tamil Nadu's assurance that it would provide the necessary infrastructure and residential facilities for judges.

The Chief Minister referred to the 2016 case of V. Vasanthakumar vs H.C. Bhatia and others, which raised the issue of regional Supreme Court benches and was referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench. He also cited recommendations made by Parliamentary Standing Committees in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2021, along with Law Commission reports supporting permanent regional benches.

Vijay argued that a bench in Chennai would strengthen India's federal character without compromising judicial independence, as administrative control would continue to remain with the Chief Justice of India. He has urged the Prime Minister to take up the matter afresh with the Supreme Court and facilitate reconsideration of the proposal.

The demand, if accepted, could reduce the financial and logistical burden on litigants from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring southern states seeking remedies before the apex court. No decision on establishing the proposed bench has been announced.