The Madras High Court (MHC) has been at the center of several major legal developments this week. From staying controversial orders on caste-based societies to intervening in copyright battles for new movie releases, the court has been extremely active.
In addition to these judgments, there are fresh updates regarding recruitment for 2026 and important administrative decisions affecting advocates. If you are a legal aspirant, a law student, or a citizen tracking court news, here is a detailed roundup of everything happening at the Madras High Court as of January 19, 2026.
Major Judgments & Legal Orders (January 2026)
1. Stay on “Caste-Based Society” Order
In a significant relief to various associations, a Division Bench of the Madras High Court has stayed the order of a single judge that had directed the de-registration of societies named after castes.
- What Happened: Previously, a single judge had ordered that societies with caste names (like “Sangams”) should drop such titles.
- Latest Update: The First Bench, led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, put this order on hold until February 11, 2026. The court noted that the earlier direction was too broad and went beyond the scope of the original petition.
2. SC Stays Eviction of SASTRA University
While this is a Supreme Court order, it directly impacts a Madras High Court verdict. The SC has stayed the Madras HC’s order that directed the eviction of SASTRA University from government land in Thanjavur.
- Context: The Madras HC had earlier refused to regularize the encroachment and ordered eviction.
- Current Status: The Supreme Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government to form a committee to resolve the issue “sensitively,” providing temporary relief to thousands of students.
3. Action Against Derogatory Book on Judge
Taking a serious view of attacks on the judiciary, the High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Police to stop the circulation of a book that allegedly contained derogatory remarks against Justice G.R. Swaminathan.
- The court termed the content as “highly abusive” and initiated suo motu contempt proceedings to protect the dignity of the institution.
4. Copyright Injunction for “Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos”
To prevent piracy, the High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from unauthorized streaming of the upcoming film “Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos”. This is a standard but crucial step to protect the commercial rights of producers before a movie’s release.
Read more: Calcutta High Court News
Madras High Court Recruitment 2026
For job seekers, the High Court has opened applications for specific academic posts.
- Posts Announced: Research Fellow and Research Assistant.
- Vacancies: 4 Posts.
- Eligibility: Law graduates (LL.B / LL.M) with a good academic record.
- Salary: Up to ₹45,000 per month for Research Fellows.
- Last Date to Apply: February 20, 2026.
- Where to Apply: Official website hcmadras.tn.nic.in.
Note: Aspirants waiting for Office Assistant, Driver, and Typist notifications should keep checking the website. These notifications are expected to be released in the coming months as part of the 2026 annual recruitment calendar.
Administrative & Advocate Enrollment News
- Revisiting Advocate Ban: The Madurai Bench has recommended constituting a larger bench to reconsider the 2015 order that bans people with pending criminal cases from enrolling as advocates. This could be a major change for law graduates facing minor charges who wish to practice.
- Chief Justice: The court continues to function under the leadership of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, who took charge in mid-2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is the current Chief Justice of Madras High Court in 2026?
Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava is the current Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
Q2. Is there any new recruitment in Madras High Court for 2026?
Yes, a notification for Research Fellow and Research Assistant posts has been released. The last date to apply is February 20, 2026. Notifications for Office Assistant and other posts are expected soon.
Q3. Did the High Court ban caste-based names for societies?
A single judge had ordered a ban, but a Division Bench has stayed (stopped) that order as of mid-January 2026. The case will be heard again in February.
Q4. What is the SASTRA University case update?
The Supreme Court has stayed the Madras High Court’s eviction order against SASTRA University, bringing temporary relief to the institution and its students.
Q5. How can I apply for Madras High Court jobs?
You can apply online through the official recruitment portal: hcmadras.tn.nic.in.