Abandon Pattinapakkam Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex project, insists a PIL plea before Madras High Court
A public interest litigation has been filed to stop the Tamil Nadu government from constructing a new Legislative Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex in Pattinapakkam. The petitioner argues that the project is a waste of public funds and that the current location at Fort St. George is more suitable.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns over government spending priorities and urban planning decisions during periods of financial strain.
The Madras High Court is all set to hear on Monday (October 5, 2026) a public interest litigation petition which has sought a direction to the Tamil Nadu government to abandon its plan to construct a new Legislative Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex on 25.55 acres at Pattinappakkam (Foreshore Estate) in Chennai.
The PIL plea has been listed for admission before the First Division Bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan. Chennai-based advocate R.S. Tamilvendan had filed the PIL petition.
The petitioner said he was shocked to come across news reports that the State government had given in-principle approval for the construction of the Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex on the 25.55-acre land belonging to the Tamil Nadu Housing Board, which was basically meant for constructing low-cost flats for the people.
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