The Madras High Court, one of India’s oldest and most influential judicial institutions, has been at the center of several landmark discussions in early 2026. From protecting the dignity of judges to navigating the digital transformation of district courts, the court’s recent actions reflect its role as a guardian of both tradition and modern legal rights. This week, the court made headlines by intervening in a high-profile controversy involving personal attacks on a sitting judge and addressing the concerns of the legal community regarding mandatory electronic filing.
Protecting Judicial Dignity: The Case of Justice G.R. Swaminathan
On January 7, 2026, the Madras High Court took a strong stand against what it termed “scandalous and abusive” attacks on the judiciary. A Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, intervened to stay the release and sale of a book and pamphlet that allegedly targeted Justice G.R. Swaminathan. The publication was reportedly scheduled for release at the Chennai Book Fair.
The controversy stems from a December 2025 judgment regarding the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Thirupparankundram hill. The court observed that while anyone is free to appeal a judgment or offer legitimate criticism, personal attacks through mocking visuals and offensive language cannot be justified under free speech. To protect the institution’s integrity, the court initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against the publisher and ordered the police to ensure the material is not circulated.
Digital Transition: E-Filing Put on Hold
In another significant move for the legal fraternity, Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava ordered the indefinite postponement of mandatory e-filing for district courts across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. While the judiciary has been pushing for a “paperless” system, local bar associations raised serious concerns about the lack of technical infrastructure and adequate training for lawyers in rural districts.
The court acknowledged that forcing a digital-only mode without proper preparation could hinder the justice delivery system. By keeping the mandatory requirement in abeyance, the court has allowed for a “mutual talk” period where manual filing will continue alongside electronic options. This decision has provided major relief to thousands of advocates who were planning protests against the sudden digital shift.
Landmark Rulings on Personal Liberty and Copyright
Beyond administrative updates, the Madras High Court has reinforced its reputation for protecting fundamental rights. In a recent ruling, the court declared that illegal detention, even for a single hour, is a violation of the Constitution. This came during a hearing involving the misuse of the Goondas Act, where the bench emphasized that preventive detention should not be used casually by the state.
On the commercial side, the court has been active in protecting intellectual property. It recently upheld an injunction against several YouTube channels for illegally streaming classic Tamil films. These cases highlight the court’s diverse workload, ranging from protecting centuries-old copyright to ensuring that modern police powers do not overstep constitutional boundaries.
What Lies Ahead for the Court?
As the 54th Chief Justice, Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, continues his tenure (which is slated to run until March 2026), the court is expected to handle several high-stakes political cases. With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching later in 2026, many eyes are on the court regarding cases involving senior ministers and central investigative agencies. Additionally, the transition to the “New Criminal Laws” and the ongoing debate over the balance of power between the State and the Governor remain key areas to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the current Chief Justice of the Madras High Court?
As of January 2026, Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava is the Chief Justice. He was sworn in as the 54th Chief Justice in July 2025.
2. Is e-filing mandatory in Tamil Nadu district courts now?
No. Following protests from lawyers about technical difficulties, the Chief Justice has put the mandatory e-filing requirement on hold until further notice. Both manual and electronic filing are currently permitted.
3. Where are the benches of the Madras High Court located?
The main seat of the High Court is in Chennai, and it has a permanent bench in Madurai, which handles cases from the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
4. Can I attend a hearing at the Madras High Court?
Yes, high court proceedings are generally open to the public. Additionally, the Madras High Court often provides live-streaming links for important cases on its official YouTube channel.
5. How do I check the status of a case online?
You can check the status of any case by visiting the official website (hcmadras.tn.gov.in) and entering the case number, year, or the names of the parties involved.