Tamil Nadu Appoints M.V. Muralidharan to SC/ST Commission

The Tamil Nadu government appointed retired Madras High Court judge M.V. Muralidharan chairperson of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes on 10 November 2026. The Social Justice Department formalised the appointment through a Government Order.

Appointment and tenure

Muralidharan’s term will be three years from the date he assumes charge, or until he reaches 75 years of age, whichever comes first. The post had been vacant since 22 March 2026, following the death of former chairperson and retired judge Justice S. Tamilvanan.

Important Facts for Exams

• Separate constitutional provisions: At national level, Article 338 covers the Scheduled Castes commission, while Article 338A provides for the Scheduled Tribes commission.
• Safeguards monitoring: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes monitors constitutional, legal and government-order safeguards and evaluates how they operate.
• Complaint inquiries: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes can inquire into specific complaints alleging deprivation of Scheduled Castes’ rights or safeguards.