PRESS RELEASE
Memorandum Submitted to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Seeking Intervention to Establish District Revenue Media Channels in Tamil Nadu
New Delhi | [Put Press Conference Date]
Advocate S. Vijayapandian, B.A. (Law), LL.B., from Theni District, Tamil Nadu, submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 31 July 2022, requesting establishment of District Revenue Media Channels in all districts of Tamil Nadu. The memorandum was received by the Prime Minister’s Office Dak Section on 2 August 2022.
In the memorandum, the petitioner stated that media ownership in Tamil Nadu is largely concentrated among politically affiliated organizations, which restricts independent reporting at the district level. He submitted that in the absence of district media, common citizens are unable to raise their voice against violations of rights and that Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of Speech and Article 21 – Right to Life are being affected.
Subsequently, a representation was submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office on 02 January 2024. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting replied on 01 April 2024 stating that the representation was “suggestive”.
Aggrieved, the petitioner filed W.P.(MD) No.10947 of 2024 before the Hon’ble Madras High Court, Madurai Bench. The Hon’ble Court dismissed the writ petition on 03 June 2024.
Thereafter, SLP(C) Diary No.47567/2024 was filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The Hon’ble Supreme Court dismissed the SLP on 20 January 2025. The Review Petition filed was also dismissed on 22 April 2025.
Again, WPMD No.718/2026 was filed before the Hon’ble Madras High Court and was dismissed on 09 January 2026.
Aggrieved, SLP(C) No.15172/2026 was filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The Hon’ble Supreme Court disposed the SLP on 14 July 2026 observing that the matter relates to “policy decision with financial implications” and advised the petitioner to approach the “competent authority”.
The petitioner contends that for the last 4 years, despite approaching the Central Government, State Government, High Court and Supreme Court, no authority has taken steps to protect the fundamental rights of citizens at the district level in Tamil Nadu.
According to the memorandum, the petitioner urges the Government of India to intervene and direct the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish District Revenue Media Channels to ensure transparency, accountability and freedom of expression at the grassroots level.
Key Demands
– Establishment and institutional recognition of District Revenue Media Channels in all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu.
– Intervention by the Central Government under Article 355 of the Constitution to protect fundamental rights.
– Greater institutional support for independent district-level journalism.
– Measures to ensure transparency and public accountability through grassroots media.
– Safeguarding freedom of speech and democratic participation at the district level.
Media Contact
S. Vijayapandian, B.A. (Law), LL.B.
Enroll No: 1453/2014
Advocate, Petitioner-in-Person, Supreme Court of India
SLP(C) No.15172/2026
Theni District, Tamil Nadu