Madras High Court Seeks Response on Plea for Deputy Mayor to Assume Madurai Mayor's Functions
The Madras High Court has taken up a significant public interest litigation concerning the administrative functioning of the Madurai corporation. On Friday, the court sought a formal response from the state government of Tamil Nadu and the Madurai corporation regarding a plea that urges the deputy mayor to step into the role of the mayor until a new appointment is made.
Details of the Court Hearing
A division bench comprising Justice G Jayachandran and Justice N Senthilkumar presided over the hearing. The bench was addressing a public interest litigation filed by P Manikandan, a resident of Mathichiyam in Madurai. The petitioner highlighted critical issues stemming from the vacancy in the mayor's position.
Background of the Case
The controversy began when Indrani Ponvasanth, the mayor of the Madurai corporation, tendered her resignation in October 2025, citing personal reasons. According to the provisions outlined in the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act, the deputy mayor is legally required to assume charge and discharge the functions of the mayor in such circumstances. However, this transition has not occurred, leading to administrative disruptions.
Impact on Corporation Administration
The petitioner argued that the failure of the deputy mayor to take over the mayor's duties has severely affected the administration of the Madurai corporation. Key issues include:
- Garbage accumulation: Piles of garbage have been reported in several areas across the city, creating unsanitary conditions.
- Road deterioration: Many roads are in poor condition, with numerous potholes posing hazards to residents and commuters.
- Resident difficulties: The combination of piled-up garbage and bad road conditions has caused significant inconvenience and health risks for local residents.
Manikandan, as a concerned citizen, had previously lodged complaints about these issues with his local councillor. The councillor assured him that the grievances would be raised during the monthly council meeting of the corporation. However, these meetings have not been conducted since the mayor's resignation, leaving public concerns unaddressed.
Legal Steps Taken
Frustrated by the lack of action, the petitioner submitted a formal representation requesting the deputy mayor to discharge the functions of the mayor. When no steps were taken in response, he decided to move the court, seeking judicial intervention to ensure proper governance and adherence to legal provisions.
Court's Current Stance
The Madras High Court's decision to seek responses from the state and corporation authorities underscores the urgency of the matter. The bench aims to evaluate the legal and administrative aspects before issuing any directives. This case highlights the importance of timely leadership transitions in local bodies to maintain effective public administration and address citizen welfare.
The outcome of this PIL could set a precedent for how similar vacancies are handled in urban local bodies across Tamil Nadu, emphasizing accountability and procedural compliance.
