Chief Minister Stalin calls for intervention by the judiciary to protect federalism

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin releasing a souvenir during the commemoration of the 75th Year of the Adoption of the Constitution of India and 160 Years of the Madras Bar Association held in Chennai.
| Photo Credit: R. Ravindran

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday (March 16, 2025) reiterated the need for intervention by the judiciary for safeguarding federalism during the challenging times of attack on the basic structure of the Constitution.

Speaking at the celebrations of the 160^th year of Madras Bar Association and 75^th year of adoption of the Constitution of India, Mr. Stalin said: “We need to protect the rights of States in matters pertaining to devolution of funds and education. In recent times, we have witnessed attacks against federalism. An independent judiciary continues to play a role in protecting the basic structure of the Constitution.”

Stressing the need for ensuring the autonomy of the States, Mr. Stalin said the Tamil Nadu government has been striving for protection of the Constitutional values during challenging times in the country with a diversity of culture.

Pointing to the role of judiciary in protection of social justice, Mr. Stalin said lawyers were the physicians who cure social ills. “I intend to reiterate the demand for a Regional Bench of the Supreme Court in Chennai. This will benefit the people of Tamil Nadu and the lawyers. The State government will continue to support welfare schemes for the lawyers and create infrastructure for the judiciary.”

Madras High Court Chief Justice K.R. Shriram said the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the Constitution and stressed the need for innovative legal responses to advancement in technology.

Supreme Court Justice M.M. Sundresh said the laws were changing and the lawyers have to be prepared, preventing any decline in quality. Supreme Court Justice K.V. Viswanathan stressed the need for raising awareness among lawyers about financial security and a platform for professional development. Supreme Court Justice R. Mahadevan said the Constitution was progressive and had a flexible and transformative character.

Advocate General of Tamil Nadu P.S. Raman conferred the lifetime achievement award on former Attorney General for India K. Parasaran. Additional Solicitor General of India AR.L. Sundaresan conferred the lifetime achievement award on former Attorney General for India K.K. Venugopal.