Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Writes To PM Modi, Seeks Permanent Supreme Court Bench In Chennai

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the establishment of a permanent regional bench of the Supreme Court in Chennai, reviving a demand that Tamil Nadu has been pursuing since 1980.

In his letter dated November 4, Vijay argued that litigants from southern states face considerable geographical, financial and logistical difficulties in travelling to New Delhi to approach the country's highest court.

He contended that establishing a Supreme Court bench in Chennai would benefit not only Tamil Nadu but also other southern states and improve access to justice.

Referring to Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights, Vijay said that the constitutional remedy had, in practical terms, become more accessible to people who live closer to Delhi or can afford the expenses associated with litigation and travel.

The Chief Minister submitted that this situation disproportionately affects economically weaker sections and citizens residing in southern India. CM Vijay has specifically relied on Article 130 of the Constitution, which provides: "The Supreme Court shall sit in Delhi or in such other place or places, as the Chief Justice of India may, with the approval of the President, from time to time, appoint."

PM Modi has been informed that Chennai, being a major legal and administrative centre in southern India, would be an appropriate location for a regional bench.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the legal legacy of the Madras High Court, established in 1862, and the professional competence of its Bar. He stated that the necessary infrastructure, including residential accommodation for Supreme Court judges, could be provided by the State.

CM Vijay further recalled that the Supreme Court's Full Court, in its meeting on August 7, 2007, had declined to reconsider its earlier resolutions opposing regional benches, despite Tamil Nadu's assurance regarding infrastructure facilities.

He also referred to the Supreme Court's July 13, 2016 order in V. Vasanthakumar v. H.C. Bhatia and Others, in which the question concerning the establishment of regional benches was referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench for authoritative consideration.

The Chief Minister has cited recommendations made by Parliamentary Standing Committees in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2021, along with successive Law Commission reports, supporting the establishment of permanent regional benches. The Law Commission's 229th Report had recommended a Constitution Bench at Delhi and four regional Cassation Benches, including one in Chennai or Hyderabad for southern India.

CM Vijay has maintained that establishing a regional bench would not compromise 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 a favourable decision.

Notably, the Union Government informed Parliament in February 2026 that Article 130 governs the possibility of the Supreme Court sitting outside Delhi. Earlier, the Supreme Court Full Court had rejected the proposal in 2010, finding no justification for establishing benches outside Delhi.