In a landmark ruling aimed at preserving the iconic Marina Beach, the Madras High Court has issued strict directives to regulate commercial activities on its sprawling sands. The court firmly stated that the beach is a public recreation space, not a marketplace, and ordered a significant reduction in the number and type of shops permitted to operate.
Court's Stern Observation and Field Inspection
A special bench comprising Justice R Suresh Kumar and Justice A D Jagadish Chandira delivered the order on Friday. The hearing was based on a petition filed by a woman seeking the allotment of a shop on the beach. The judges expressed strong disapproval of the current commercial sprawl, noting that the Greater Chennai Corporation's (GCC) records showed a staggering 1,980 shops operating on the world's second-largest beach.
The bench deemed this number "obnoxiously very high and unwanted when compared to the footfalls." To assess the situation firsthand, the judges had conducted a field inspection on December 22, 2025, which informed their final decision.
What Can and Cannot Be Sold on Marina Beach
The court's order draws a clear line on permissible commercial activities. It has mandated that only three categories of goods can be sold on Marina Beach:
- Eatables (Food items)
- Toys for children
- Fancy items
All shops selling goods outside these categories must be removed. Emphasizing the core purpose of the beach, the bench declared, "The beach is not a shopping mall or bazaar, but only a recreation area for the public, women and children." The court also explicitly stated that no permanent shop structures would be allowed.
Next Steps and Deadline for Action
The Madras High Court has tasked the Greater Chennai Corporation with preparing a comprehensive draft plan to implement this order. GCC must consult with key stakeholders, including the city police, relevant state government departments, and the district administration.
This plan must detail how shops selling the three allowed categories will be located in an orderly manner. The corporation has been given a strict deadline of one week to submit the draft plan for the court's review and final decision.
The case has been adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for January 8. This ruling is expected to dramatically alter the landscape of Marina Beach, prioritizing public access and leisure over unchecked commercialisation.
