While I strongly believe in technology, we saw its limitations during yesterday’s Microsoft outage, which led to many flight cancellations from Delhi. However, the warmth and affection of Madurai ensured my presence here today.

Chennai: Today (20th July): The Madras High Court celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Madurai bench, with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices BR Gavai, Suryakant, R Mahadevan, and MM Sundaresh from the Supreme Court in attendance.
CJI Stated
While I strongly believe in technology, we saw its limitations during yesterday’s Microsoft outage, which led to many flight cancellations from Delhi. However, the warmth and affection of Madurai ensured my presence here today.
He further said,
‘Madurai is called Thunga Nagaram or the city that never sleeps because its markets are always open to the people. The city truly has a lot to offer to all who visit it. This reflects the inviting and hospitable culture of this great city. So it is no surprise that Madurai was chosen for the permanent bench of the Madras High Court. In this sense, Madurai is an eternal symbol that justice never sleeps.’
The celebrations are scheduled to take place at the Madurai Convention Centre on Tamukkam grounds. In a symbolic gesture, CJI Chandrachud will unveil the ‘Vigentennial Stupa’ at the Madurai Bench via video conference. This monument is a testament to the enduring legacy and pivotal role of the Madurai Bench in delivering justice over the past two decades.
CJI stated
After Justice R Mahadevan’s swearing-in as a Supreme Court judge, numerous Madras High Court lawyers gathered. During a coffee meeting, I expressed regret for transferring one of their esteemed judges. The lawyers humorously suggested I should apologize twice, as Justice MM Sundresh was also elevated. They might have forgotten Justice KV Vishwanathan’s elevation as well.
Who is Justice R Mahadevan?
Justice R. Mahadevan, born on June 10, 1963, in Chennai, obtained his law degree from Madras Law College. With 25 years of experience as a lawyer, he specialized in civil, criminal, and writ petitions related to indirect taxes, customs, and central excise matters. During this time, he served as Additional Government Pleader (Tax) for Tamil Nadu, Additional Central Government Standing Counsel, and Senior Panel Counsel for the Government of India at the Madras High Court.
Appointed as a judge of the Madras High Court in 2013, Justice Mahadevan is currently serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
The event will also feature addresses by prominent Supreme Court judges. Justice K V Viswanathan and Justice R Mahadevan are set to deliver the felicitation addresses, highlighting the significance of this milestone and reflecting on the contributions of the Madurai Bench to the judiciary.
In addition to the inaugural activities, the valedictory session will witness Supreme Court Judge, Justice Surya Kant, launching the ambitious project of establishing 100 e-seva kendras in the southern districts. These e-seva kendras aim to provide efficient and accessible legal services to the public, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of the judiciary.
The vigentennial celebrations not only commemorate the past achievements of the Madurai Bench but also set the stage for future advancements in the judicial system. The presence and participation of esteemed members of the judiciary highlight the importance of this occasion and reinforce the ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal framework in India.
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Acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Justice D Krishnakumar, warmly welcomes Justice R Mahadevan’s recent elevation to the Supreme Court, which is met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The Chief Justice of India’s involvement in these celebrations underscores the significance of the Madurai Bench’s contributions to the judicial landscape. His virtual unveiling of the ‘Vigentennial Stupa’ and the participation of other Supreme Court judges reflect a unified commitment to honoring the past while paving the way for future progress.
As the Madurai Bench celebrates its 20th anniversary, the initiatives launched during this event, such as the establishment of e-seva kendras, signify a forward-looking approach to judicial service.
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