Tamil Nadu Cabinet approves Social Justice Survey commission, to seek review of SC quota ruling

The Tamil Nadu Cabinet has decided to constitute a multi-member commission, headed by a retired judge of the High Court, to conduct the Social Justice Survey in the State.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at the Secretariat in Chennai on Thursday. The meeting lasted about an hour and a half.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Minister for Energy Resources and Law C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said the survey would be carried out next year, after the ongoing Census is completed. The rules and regulations governing the exercise would be framed once the commission is constituted, and the commission is expected to be set up by February or March next year.

Conducting the Social Justice Survey was one of the key poll promises of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam ahead of the 2026 Assembly election. After coming to office, the government announced the survey in the Governor's inaugural address to the Assembly. The Minister did not spell out the survey's scope or the specific data it would collect, saying the details would be worked out once the commission's rules are framed.

The Cabinet also deliberated on a recent Supreme Court judgment holding that a Hindu belonging to a Backward Class cannot claim the same reservation benefits as a Muslim Backward Class merely by converting to Islam.

The apex court had dismissed the State government's appeal seeking confirmation of a March 2024 government order that extended reservation benefits to members of Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, De-notified Communities and Scheduled Castes who had embraced Islam. Mr. Kumar said the Cabinet had decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court. A review petition is filed before the court that delivered a judgment, seeking reconsideration of the ruling, usually on grounds such as an error apparent on the record.

On the 600 acres of anadheenam land in Thalambur village on the outskirts of Chennai, where pattas were granted illegally, the Minister said the Cabinet had discussed ways to find a solution. The dispute has affected nearly 3,000 people and 15 educational institutions, and has remained unresolved for more than 20 years. The Supreme Court has directed the State government to take a decision on the matter. The Cabinet discussed measures to address the issue and provide relief to those affected, he said.

The Cabinet also approved eight new industrial proposals. Mr. Kumar said the Chief Minister had instructed Ministers to ensure that welfare schemes reached people without delay, and had directed Ministers in charge of districts to review preparedness for the Northeast monsoon and put the necessary precautionary measures in place. Mr. Vijay also stressed the need to address public grievances promptly, the Minister added.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare K.G. Arunraj and Minister for Natural Resources T.K. Prabhu, who are on official visits abroad, were not present at the meeting.