Court reiterates Tamil nameboard rule
The Madras High Court has ordered that shops across Tamil Nadu must switch to Tamil nameboards by November 1, setting it as a final deadline.
Background of the government order
In June 2025, the Tamil Nadu government issued a directive requiring shops in all areas, including those under the Chennai Corporation, to display their nameboards in Tamil. The order also stated that the English name could be placed below the Tamil name, and warned of a Rs 2,000 fine for violations.
Petition and request for time
The directive was challenged in the Madras High Court by the India Retail Traders Association, based in Mumbai. When the matter came up again before Justice Surender, the petitioner side said it was ready to comply with the government order and sought three months’ time.
Final deadline and enforcement
Accepting the request, the judge granted time but made it clear that this would be the last opportunity. The court directed shops to complete the change by November 1 and said officials may take action if the deadline is missed, before closing the case.
