Traders' Body Backs Madras HC Order Mandating Tamil Name Boards

The Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu, an umbrella body of traders in the state, has welcomed the Madras High Court order that makes it mandatory for shops and commercial establishments to display their names in Tamil alongside English. The court has set November 1 as the deadline for compliance.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday after inaugurating the association's new office in Erode and distributing identity cards to traders, its president A.M. Vikramaraja said there was no difference of opinion among traders on the matter. “The association will work wholeheartedly to implement the court order,” he said.

The High Court's directive is seen as a significant step in promoting the use of Tamil in the public sphere, reflecting longstanding linguistic pride in the state. The order applies to all commercial establishments, which must now ensure that Tamil text is prominently displayed, with other languages permitted as additions. Traders have generally responded positively, viewing it as a measure that aligns with the state's cultural identity.

Beyond the signboard issue, Vikramaraja also flagged concerns about the growing dominance of corporate companies in online trade. He alleged that many such firms engage in “excesses and irregularities” that harm small and traditional traders. He urged both the central and state governments to enact a special law to protect the interests of traders operating in both physical and digital marketplaces.

Expressing disappointment over the lack of specific measures for traders in the recent state budget, he said the association expected more attention to issues such as easing compliance burdens, improving infrastructure in local markets, and providing financial support for small businesses.

In a separate appeal, the association said it would press the central government to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a single tax, simplifying the current multi-slab structure. Vikramaraja argued that a single-rate GST would reduce confusion, lower compliance costs, and benefit businesses across the state.

The Madras High Court's order, which has been widely covered in local media, is part of a broader push for the use of Tamil in official and commercial spaces. The court has instructed authorities to enforce the deadline and ensure that businesses comply. The traders' association has pledged its support, indicating that the transition should be smooth.

Observers note that the implementation of such language-related orders often depends on clear communication and support from local bodies. With the traders' body now extending its cooperation, the move could set a precedent for other states with similar linguistic mandates.