Here are the big stories from Tamil Nadu today
The Hindu
Madras HC dismisses appeals against conviction of officials for atrocities on Vachathi tribal village. Court orders TN govt to pay ₹10 lakh each to 18 rape victims & take action against then Collector, SP & DFO. CPI (M) hails verdict & plans to contest 2024 LS polls. Justice Venkatesh to move to Madurai Bench, won't hear suo motu revision petitions.
The Madras High Court dismissed all criminal appeals filed against the conviction and sentences imposed against a host of officials from the forest, police and revenue departments for the atrocities committed on the residents Vachathi tribal village in Dharmapuri district 31 years ago.
Justice P. Velmurugan confirmed the conviction as well as punishment ranging from one to seven years of rigorous imprisonment imposed by Dharmapuri Principal Sessions Judge S. Kumaraguru on this date in 2011. The convicts include Indian Forest Service (IFS) officials who had raided the village for smuggled sandalwood.
The court directed Tamil Nadu government to pay a compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the 18 rape victims and to initiate appropriate action against the then Collector, Superintendent of Police and District Forest Officer for having failed to take action despite complaints regarding the atrocities.
Parties including Communist Party of India (Marxist), Pattali Makkal Katchi and Tamil Maanila Congress have hailed the verdict.
The CPI (M) will continue to oppose the BJP as well as the AIADMK, its state secretary K. Balakrishnan said in Coimbatore.
On the constituencies that the CPI (M) will contest in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Mr. Balakrishnan said the CPI (M) will repeat the 2019 formula and will persuade DMK to allocate the Madurai and Coimbatore Lok Sabha seats.
Ridiculing Mr. Annamalai over the Karnataka state unit of the BJP conducting bandh opposing release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Mr. Balakrishnan said South West monsoon deficit was only 27 per cent in Karnataka and water in reservoirs were 52 per cent. He also stated that Karnataka was hiding water in check dams, lakes and ponds, that is why 27 per cent rainfall has resulted in 48 per cent shortage of water in reservoirs.
UDF retains Palakkad by 18,840 votes, LDF defends Chelakkara by 12,201 votes in Kerala byelections.
Supreme Court criticizes CAQM for inadequate response to Delhi's severe air pollution, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and enforcement.
Supreme Court Justice praises late Chief Justice Lakshmana Rao for legal excellence and altruism at commemoration event.
Independent candidate Shivaji Patil injured in fire during victory celebration, along with women, after winning Chandgad Assembly constituency.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discusses 'Brand Bharat' as a statement of authenticity and comfort in one's own identity.
Christian Medical College organizes inter school quiz competition on cardiology to increase heart disease awareness among students.
Kozhikode School Arts Festival ends with City sub-district leading, featuring 12,000 students in 300 events across 20 venues.
Missionaries from USA, France, and Europe aided in the growth of Madras Presidency, benefiting Tamil Nadu in healthcare and education.
Chennai Metro Rail's TBM Kalvarayan to breakthrough at Perambur in January, connecting Ayanavaram in Phase II project.
Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and Agro Food Trade Centre sign MoU to address farmers' challenges, introduce eSHED platform.
Jharkhand Assembly election results show BJP's "Bangladeshi infiltration" rhetoric failed, with NDA losing ST seats and INDIA bloc gaining.