Archive · 23 Sep 2026
DMK Challenges Proposed Pattinapakkam Secretariat Construction in Madras High Court
The DMK wants the Madras High Court to stop a proposed government complex in Pattinapakkam.
The complex would include offices for the Secretariat and Assembly and could cost Rs.
1,200 crore.
Petitioners say the site is too close to the sea and may need special coastal permission.
They also worry that fishermen and poorer residents could lose out.
They say the construction might make traffic and crowding worse.
Another lawyer filed a separate case after receiving no government response.
Opposition and Left parties have protested the proposal.
The minister says no final decision has been made and a report will be studied first.
The DMK has approached the Madras High Court against a proposed Rs. 1,200-crore Secretariat-cum-Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam.
Petitioners argue that construction within 500 metres of the sea may violate Coastal Regulation Zone rules.
They say the project could harm fishermen’s livelihoods, affect poorer residents and worsen congestion and traffic.
A second public interest litigation was filed by advocate R.S. Tamilvendan after the government did not respond to his September 12 petition.
PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the Chief Minister had made no final decision and would consider the project after a Detailed Project Report.
- Who
- The DMK, former Mylapore MLA Dha. Velu, advocate R.S. Tamilvendan, the Tamil Nadu government and PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna.
- What
- Petitions seek to stop and cancel the proposed Secretariat-cum-Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam.
- When
- The article says the second petition was filed on Monday and that Tamilvendan submitted a government petition on September 12; it does not specify the year or the date of the first petition.
- Where
- Pattinapakkam, Chennai, before the Madras High Court.
- Why
- Petitioners cite possible Coastal Regulation Zone issues, risks to fishermen and poor residents, and increased congestion and traffic.
Project Opponents
Government Position
Coastal and livelihood concerns
Project Opponents
The petitioners say the site falls within the Coastal Regulation Zone, question whether required permission was obtained, and warn that fishermen’s livelihoods could be affected.
Government Position
Aadhav Arjuna said the Chief Minister would stand by fishermen if their livelihood came into conflict with the Secretariat project.
Project status
Project Opponents
The DMK and petitioners seek an injunction against construction and the quashing of the government order.
Government Position
Aadhav Arjuna said the Chief Minister had not taken a final decision and that the project would be considered only after a Detailed Project Report.
Effect on local residents
Project Opponents
Petitioners say the congested location could harm poor residents and worsen congestion and traffic snarls.
Government Position
The article reports no specific government response to these congestion concerns, beyond the minister’s statement that the proposal remains under consideration.
- Proposed project
- Secretariat-cum-Assembly complex
- Location
- Pattinapakkam, Chennai
- Estimated cost
- Rs. 1,200 crore
- Legal challenge
- Two public interest litigations were reported
- Main concern
- Construction within 500 metres of the sea and possible Coastal Regulation Zone restrictions
- Potential effects cited
- Impact on fishermen’s livelihoods, poor residents, congestion and traffic
- Government position
- No final decision until a Detailed Project Report is considered