Tamil Nadu Politics & Governance

RBI gold-loan rules take effect nationwide

1 April 2026

The Reserve Bank of India ’s gold-loan rules took effect nationwide from 1 April. They set maximum loan-to-value ratios of 85% for loans up to ₹2.5 lakh, 80% for loans above ₹2.5 lakh and up to ₹5 lakh, and 75% for larger loans; lenders must disclose charges and return pledged gold within seven working days of full repayment.

Key Facts

• RBI’s gold-loan rules require lenders to disclose interest, processing fees and penalties in advance, strengthening borrower transparency.

Toll charges rise at Tamil Nadu plazas

1 April 2026

Toll charges at national-highway plazas in Tamil Nadu rose from 1 April, with reported increases of 5% to 7%. The additional charge was ₹10–₹40 for cars, jeeps and vans, and ₹50–₹200 for heavy vehicles; the annual pass charge rose from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075.

Key Facts

• The National Highways Authority of India collects tolls on several national highways.

Supreme Court stays proceedings in case against Durai Murugan

1 April 2026

The Supreme Court stayed further proceedings in the disproportionate-assets case against Tamil Nadu Minister Durai Murugan until further orders. The Madras High Court had ordered the special court to retry the case after it discharged the minister and his family; the Supreme Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to file its response by 20 April.

Key Facts

• The Supreme Court is India’s highest appellate court for civil and criminal cases.

M.G.R. Janaki Women’s College to move under Vels University

1 April 2026

The University of Madras syndicate approved moving Dr. M.G.R. Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women under Vels University from the 2026–27 academic year. Existing students are to continue under the University of Madras curriculum until completing their studies.

Vels University is to handle first-year admissions from the coming academic year and determine the curriculum and fees for new students.

Key Facts

• VISTAS is the Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies.

Ponmudi and six others acquitted in red-sand quarry case

2 April 2026

A court in Villupuram district acquitted former Tamil Nadu Minister K. Ponmudi, his son Gautham Sigamani and five others in the red-sand quarry case, citing insufficient evidence against the seven accused. The case concerned alleged excess extraction at a quarry in Poothurai village, near Vanur.

The alleged extraction and financial loss were accusations in the case, not findings of guilt.

Madras High Court rules on Governor’s role in remission decisions

2 April 2026

A three-judge full bench of the Madras High Court ruled that the Governor cannot independently reject Cabinet decisions on remission of sentences or the premature release of prisoners. It held that the Governor is bound by the Cabinet’s decision in these matters.

The ruling arose from litigation over the Cabinet’s recommendation to release John David, who was serving a life sentence in the Navarasu murder case.

Tamil Nadu raises monthly pay for government-college guest lecturers

2 April 2026

Tamil Nadu raised the monthly consolidated pay for guest lecturers in government colleges from ₹25,000 to ₹30,000, effective 1 March 2026. The revised rate covers guest lecturers in government arts and science colleges and temporary assistant professors in government engineering colleges.

The report also lists government technical colleges among the institutions covered by the pay revision.

Tamil Nadu fishermen evacuated from Iran arrive in Chennai

4 April 2026

A first group of 345 Indian fishermen evacuated from Iran arrived in Chennai by special flight after travelling via Armenia; 327 were from Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu fishermen were sent to their home districts in six special buses, including 80 from Tirunelveli and 175 from Kanniyakumari.

Key Facts

• India’s Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for repatriating citizens endangered abroad.

Black-carrot trial crop harvested at Coonoor nursery

4 April 2026

The Nilgiris Horticulture Department harvested black carrots grown on a trial basis at the Sims Park nursery in Coonoor. Raised from seeds obtained from Delhi, the crop was harvested after 85 days; cultivation in other areas was being considered following the trial.

Key Facts

• Dark-coloured carrot varieties derive their pigmentation from anthocyanins.

Tamil Nadu election seizures valued at ₹170 crore by 5 April

5 April 2026

By 5 April, election-period enforcement in ...