Chennai Legal Digest - Monday, 23 February 2026

In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court has declared that denying access to burial grounds constitutes a form of untouchability, a decision that resonates deeply with issues of dignity and discrimination in Tamil Nadu. This landmark judgment not only reinforces the importance of respecting burial sites as a matter of cultural and religious rights but also serves as a crucial reminder of the legal protections necessary to uphold the dignity of all individuals, even in death. Legal professionals must take note of this ruling as it sets a precedent for addressing discrimination in access to essential services and facilities.

Additionally, the court's clarification regarding tenancy rights—specifically that mere registration in a tenancy register does not automatically confer the status of a cultivating tenant—highlights the ongoing complexities in property law. This ruling is essential for practitioners navigating agricultural disputes, as it delineates the legal standards required to substantiate claims of tenancy. Furthermore, the court's order for an FIR against Minister KN Nehru, coupled with the BJP's demand for a CBI investigation, underscores the heightened scrutiny on governance and accountability in the region. These developments collectively illustrate the interplay between legal principles and societal issues, emphasizing the critical role of the judiciary in shaping both legal standards and public policy in Tamil Nadu.