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Largest Nationwide Civil Defence Drill Since 1971 War – Here’s What To Expect

By
The Commune
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civil defence drill

In an unprecedented move since the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the Indian government is set to conduct a nationwide civil defence mock drill on 7 May 2025, aimed at preparing civilians and authorities for potential wartime scenarios or hostile attacks.

The exercise, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on 5 May 2025, will be conducted across 250 locations in 33 states and union territories, including major centres like Delhi, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa, and Tamil Nadu. This decision comes just weeks after the terror attack in Pahalgam, underscoring the growing emphasis on national security preparedness.

What Will Happen During The Drill?

The drill will simulate wartime conditions, including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and evacuation rehearsals. A key aspect will be public participation, especially from school and college students, to test the effectiveness of emergency response systems and civil awareness.

Key activities include:

  • Air Raid Sirens & Communication Tests: Sirens will sound nationwide to simulate an imminent aerial attack. Communication lines with the Indian Air Force will be activated to assess readiness and coordination.
  • Control Room Checks: Emergency control rooms will be tested for response efficiency and communication capabilities in handling mock emergency scenarios.
  • Civilian & Student Training: Citizens will be trained in basic civil defence techniques, including how to take shelter, respond to sirens, and administer basic first aid.
  • Crash Blackout Simulations: Entire neighborhoods and cities will participate in blackout exercises, turning off lights and blocking visibility to simulate conditions during enemy surveillance or aerial strikes.
  • Camouflaging Strategic Infrastructure: Power stations, fuel depots, and telecom towers will undergo mock camouflaging using nets and natural materials to avoid detection.
  • Evacuation Drills: Authorities will rehearse evacuation plans in high-risk areas. Shelters such as bunkers and underground spaces will be cleaned and prepared, while Civil Defence Services—including fire brigades, rescue teams, and depot staff—will be fully mobilized.

Citizen Guidelines: How To Participate

The government has released a Civil Defence Mock Drill Preparation Guide to help citizens understand their role. Here are the key steps for public participation:

Air Raid Sirens:

  • Recognize siren patterns (long wails for alert, short bursts for all-clear).
  • Identify your nearest shelter or safe zone.
  • Keep an emergency kit with a flashlight, food, water, and first-aid supplies.

Training Participation:

  • Attend local training sessions.
  • Teach children to take cover, identify safe spaces, and apply basic first aid.

Blackout Measures:

  • Use blackout curtains or dark materials to block light.
  • Turn off lights and electronic devices during the drill.
  • Avoid outdoor movement during blackout periods.

Camouflage Support:

  • Stay away from restricted areas during the camouflaging exercise.
  • Avoid posting or photographing strategic locations or drills on social media.

Evacuation Preparation:

  • Learn your nearest evacuation route.
  • Pack a “go-bag” with ID, medicines, snacks, and contact information.
  • Participate calmly in evacuation rehearsals and assist vulnerable individuals.

How It Differs From Disaster Drills

Unlike regular local fire or earthquake drills, this exercise simulates full-scale wartime conditions, including direct military coordination, public blackouts, strategic camouflaging, and national-level mobilisation.

According to MHA officials, the drill’s objectives are to test air raid warning systems, improve civilian-military coordination, train the public in wartime survival, and evaluate the readiness of India’s civil defence network.

Citizens are encouraged to stay updated through local authorities and media channels, and actively participate to enhance collective preparedness in the face of emerging security threats.

(With inputs from Business Today)

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Dravidian Model Law And Order: BJP Woman Functionary Beheaded Near Thanjavur; Stepson Among Accused In Gruesome Murder

By
The Commune
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murder dravidian model law and order

In a shocking incident near Thanjavur, a 38-year-old BJP functionary, B. Saranya, was brutally beheaded by an armed gang on 5 May 2025. The incident has sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu. Saranya, a former women’s wing secretary for the BJP in Madurai, had previously made headlines in 2022 for allegedly throwing footwear at Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan’s vehicle during an event near Madurai.

On 6 May, three individuals—including Saranya’s stepson—surrendered to police in Madurai, admitting their involvement in the murder. Investigators have dismissed any political motive, instead attributing the crime to a long-standing domestic dispute.

Originally from Madurai, Saranya had moved to Udayasuriyapuram village in Thanjavur district with her second husband, Balan. The couple, who married in 2023, operated a photocopy shop and a travel agency in the area. On 5 May night, around 9 p.m., Saranya was walking home after closing her shop when a group of armed assailants ambushed and killed her just meters from her residence.

After she failed to return home, concerned family members began searching for her—only to find her lifeless, decapitated body nearby. Her remains were sent to Pattukottai Government Hospital for autopsy. Thanjavur Superintendent of Police R. Rajaram confirmed that the killing stemmed from a family feud.

In the 2022 incident, Saranya was among nine individuals arrested for throwing a slipper at then Finance Minister PTR’s car while he was leaving after paying respects to a martyred soldier. She was later granted bail.

Police say that tensions escalated in Saranya’s household over property disputes. Her stepson, B. Kapilan, allegedly grew resentful after she opposed dividing her husband Balan’s assets to include him. Along with two accomplices—Parthiban and Gugan—Kapilan is said to have plotted and executed the murder.

All three accused surrendered in a Madurai court and confessed to the crime. A police team has since been dispatched to take them into custody.

Summary of Recent Murders in Tamil Nadu In 2025 Alone

Let’s take a look at the murders that took place in the state in the past few months.

  • 1 May –  An elderly couple, Ramasamy (75) and Bhakiyammal (65), who lived alone in a farmhouse near Sivagiri in Erode were found murdered. The assailants also stole 12 sovereigns of gold jewellery from their home.
  • 27 April – DMK functionary Praveen Kumar was brutally hacked to death in Sivaganga.
    Three suspects were arrested, claiming they killed him for allegedly instigating a legal case against one of their brothers.
  • 03 March – 70-year-old Seethalakshmi and her daughter Ramajayanthi, home alone, murdered near Thoothukudi in a suspected robbery.
  • 04 March – Retired Aavin employee Indrani found murdered in Madurai.
  • 05 March – Mahendran killed in Tirunelveli following a drunken brawl.
  • 05 March – Rowdy Uthira kumar murdered near Paramakudi due to previous enmity.
  • 06 March – Loganathan murdered near Villupuram.
  • 06 March – Elderly man killed by a drunkard near Ooty.
  • 07 March – Velu burned to death near Nagercoil after refusing to pay for liquor in a dispute.
  • 08 March – Rowdy Srinivasan murdered near Sholingar due to rivalry.
  • 11 March – Multiple murders reported:
  • 12 March –
  • 13 March – Suresh murdered near Coimbatore in a liquor dispute.
  • 14 March – Harihara suthan burned alive near Kanyakumari over a drug-related conflict.
  • 15 March – A series of murders reported:
  • 16 March –
  • 17 March – Ganesan murdered near Erode over a liquor dispute.
  • 18 March –
  • 19 March – Rowdy John hacked to death near Erode.
  • 21 March –
  • 22 March – Rowdy “Glamour” Kali murdered in Madurai.
  • 23 March – Kalimuthu killed near Coimbatore over a liquor dispute.
  • 25 February – Youth kills father near Kudankulam after years of alcohol-fueled harassment toward family.
  • 27 February – Fisherman Satyanarayanan killed in Manamelkudi due to past enmity.
  • 28 February – Loan recovery agent Siva murdered in Kumbakonam while attempting to collect dues.

(With inputs from Times Of India)

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Is Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu Becoming The New Hub For Terrorists? A Deep Dive Into The State’s Disturbing Jihadist Network

By
The Commune
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terror hub tamil nadu

The recent surge in terror-related incidents across India has exposed Tamil Nadu’s alarming transformation into a terror hub for jihadist activities. From providing escape routes for Pahalgam terrorists to harboring ISIS sleeper cells and bomb-making factories, the state is emerging as a serious national security threat. Let us try to connect the dots between multiple attacks, exposing systemic failures that allow terrorism to flourish in India’s southern heartland.

The Pahalgam-Chennai Terror Pipeline

The April 2025 Pahalgam massacre (26 Hindus killed, apart from foreign tourists) took a shocking turn when intelligence agencies issued an alert that the six suspects of the gruesome terror attack could possibly have been on the Chennai-Colombo flight (UL122). While Sri Lankan authorities conducted a massive airport search, the suspects are said to have vanished – raising terrifying possibilities. Was there a local support network? The seamless escape suggests pre-arranged safe houses and logistics in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the Colombo connection hints at broader Lashkar-e-Taiba or ISIS maritime terror networks.

Add to this, the Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath link that came up after the 2019 Easter Bomb Blast in Sri Lanka.

Rameshwaram Café Bombing: Chennai’s ISIS Footprint

Investigations into the 1 March 2024 Rameshwaram Cafe bomb blast in Bengaluru have revealed a strong Chennai link. Two suspects in the case — Mussavir Hussain Shazib and Abdul Matheen Taha — were found to have been residing in Chennai’s Triplicane area in the weeks leading up to the attack.

CCTV footage confirmed that one of the key pieces of evidence — a distinctive white cap worn by Shazib during the blast — was purchased from a mall in Chennai. This cap, part of a limited-edition series, helped investigators trace the suspects’ presence in the city. DNA from strands of hair found inside the abandoned cap is being tested for a match with Shazib’s family.

Further surveillance footage from a public bus in Bengaluru helped authorities match images of Shazib captured during the attack to those from the Chennai mall.

The NIA also conducted raids in multiple locations across Tamil Nadu, including Triplicane, Mannady, Muthialpet (Chennai), and Keezhakkarai (Ramanathapuram district), to trace associates and gather evidence. These developments confirm that Tamil Nadu, particularly Chennai, served as a planning and transit hub for the ISIS-linked operatives involved in the Bengaluru cafe bombing.

Coimbatore: From “Cylinder Blast” To Exposed ISIS Conspiracy

On 23 October 2022, a bomb exploded outside the Kottai Easwaran Temple in Coimbatore, killing the suspected terrorist Jamesha Mubin. The blast occurred a day before Diwali and has since led to the arrest of 13 individuals, many with Islamist links. NIA investigations revealed Mubin and his associates had conspired in Sathyamangalam forests to avenge the arrest of Mohammed Azarudeen (alias Azar) and planned a terror attack, including a potential jailbreak. The DMK government’s insistence on calling the 2022 blast an “LPG accident” collapsed when NIA evidence proved it was a foiled mass-casualty ISIS attack.

Jameesa Mubin, a radicalized ISIS operative from Coimbatore’s Ukkadam area, was killed in a car blast near Kottai Easwaran Temple in October 2022. Investigations revealed he had planned a terror attack at a Hindu temple, inspired by the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings. Mubin had close ties with Mohammed Azharuddin, leader of an ISIS module busted in 2019, who was also a Facebook friend of Zahran Hashim—the mastermind behind the Sri Lanka bombings that killed 269 people. Hashim’s influence spread across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Southeast Asia.

Mubin’s car was found carrying gas cylinders filled with nails, indicating a planned high-casualty explosion. CCTV footage confirmed he and his associates loaded the materials into the vehicle before the premature blast. The Tamil Nadu police had previously thwarted an earlier attempt by Mubin. His links to known ISIS recruiters, including Azharuddin and others associated with the Kasargod module, underscore the growing radical Islamist threat in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

ISIS Recruiter And Human Trafficker Imran Khan Arrested In Theni After Years On The Run

On 22 October 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested 39-year-old Mohamed Imran Khan, alias Hama Najerbheeden, in Uthamapalayam, Theni district, after he had been absconding since June 2021. The arrest followed years of surveillance, during which the NIA uncovered his involvement in human trafficking and recruiting individuals for ISIS. Khan is accused of radicalizing and sending recruits for terror training abroad. He also allegedly facilitated the illegal entry of Pakistani terrorists into India via Sri Lanka, using boats to reach Ramanathapuram before routing them to other countries such as Canada through cities like Mangalore and Bangalore using forged documents. The NIA’s Absconded Tracking Team in Bengaluru led the early morning raid. Khan was later taken to Madurai for further interrogation.

Crackdown On PFI Terror Network

On 11 October 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at the residence of A. Thajuddin Haamidih alias Muhammad Tajuddin in Madurai as part of a broader crackdown on Popular Front of India (PFI) terrorists.

ISIS Operative Nabbed In Chennai

In September 2023, the NIA’s Fugitive Tracking Team captured Syed Nabeel Ahammed, the fugitive chief of the ISIS Thrissur module, in Chennai. He was reportedly attempting to flee the country at the time of his arrest.

Drug Smuggling And LTTE Revival Plot

In December 2022, the NIA arrested nine Sri Lankan nationals from a special refugee camp in Trichy, following intelligence reports linking them to Haji Salim, a Pakistan-based drug smuggler. The group is believed to be involved in reviving the banned LTTE through arms trafficking and drug smuggling. Notably, Haji Salim is suspected to have orchestrated the March 2021 arms and narcotics smuggling attempt off Kerala’s Vizhinjam coast, which involved 300 kg of heroin, five AK-47 rifles, and 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

ISIS Suspect Arrest In Mayiladuthurai

On 27 May 2021, the NIA arrested an ISIS suspect in Mayiladuthurai linked to a 2018 terror plot allegedly targeting several political leaders in Coimbatore, including Indu Makkal Katchi Chief Arjun Sampath.

Why Tamil Nadu? The Perfect Storm

Political Denial: Systemic Downplaying Of Threats

The DMK government’s persistent dismissal of terror attacks as “cylinder blasts” or “isolated incidents” has created a dangerous security vacuum. Despite the NIA’s irrefutable evidence linking the 2022 Coimbatore explosion to an ISIS-inspired suicide bombing plot, state ministers continued to peddle the gas cylinder blast theory. This deliberate denialism has stalled counter-terror operations, allowing sleeper cells to regroup. BJP leader K. Annamalai’s exposé on how Tamil Nadu Police ignored terrorist meetings in Sathyamangalam forests (February 2022) further highlights intelligence sabotage—either due to incompetence or political interference. When governments refuse to acknowledge threats, terrorists gain time to mobilize.

The Votebank Politics

The Dravidian Model politics is one where Muslim votebank politics takes precedence over national interest. Afterall, the Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu humanize terrorists – be it Perarivalan who killed former PM Rajiv Gandhi or dreaded terrorist SA Basha the founder of the Al Ummah terrorist group who masterminded the Coimbatore blasts.

Demographic Shifts: The Radicalization Time Bomb

Areas like Triplicane or Vaniyambadi have seen a surge in Wahhabi extremism, with foreign-funded mosques and madrasas promoting anti-India rhetoric. The NIA raids across TN uncovered radical networks using religious schools as fronts for recruitment. Unlike Kerala’s politically fragmented Muslim community, Tamil Nadu’s radicals operate under the radar, leveraging linguistic isolation (Urdu-Tamil divide) to evade surveillance. The Coimbatore bomber’s ISIS pledge video—recorded in Tamil but echoing global jihadist tropes—proves that local grievances are being fused with transnational terror ideologies. Without urgent deradicalization programs, these enclaves could become the next Sambhal or Bhatkal—breeding grounds for homegrown terrorists.

The Bottom Line: Tamil Nadu isn’t “becoming” a terror hub – it already is one. Every missed warning proves the state has a weak link in India’s counter-terror chain. 

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MK Stalin Waxes Eloquent On Press Freedom, Here’s How His Police Hounds Critics Even For Social Media Posts

By
The Commune
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mk stalin press freedom arrest police foreign trip the wire

On 3 May 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took to his X handle to decry India’s ‘fall to 151st place’ in the Global Press Freedom Index. He blamed the BJP-led central government for stifling journalism, stating, “India has plunged to 151 in the Global Press Freedom Index. Why? Because the BJP regime fears questions. It raids newsrooms, jails reporters, and silences those who expose corruption, rights violations, and its majoritarian agenda. On this #WorldPressFreedomDay, let us remind ourselves: without fearless journalism, democracy dies in darkness. That is why we must safeguard press freedom—not just for the media, but for every citizen’s right to know, question, and speak truth to power.”

While the statement earned applause from some quarters, it rang hollow to many familiar with Stalin’s own record over the past three years. A closer look at his government’s treatment of dissent reveals a disturbing pattern of intolerance toward critics and independent voices, ironically mirroring the very authoritarianism he accuses others of.

Arrests Under MK Stalin’s Watch: A Pattern Of Silencing Critics

Since assuming office in May 2021, Stalin has repeatedly used the state machinery to target YouTubers, opposition figures, social media activists, and even farmers – basically anyone. Below is a timeline of key incidents that paint a starkly different picture of the so-called “freedom fighter” for free speech:

  • In June 2021, YouTuber Kishore Swamy was arrested under the draconian Goondas Act for allegedly defaming Stalin.
  • In October 2021, a YouTuber, Duraimurugan, was arrested on similar charges as above.
  • In January 2022, Duraimurugan was again arrested, this time also under the Goondas Act.
  • In August 2022, stunt master Kanal Kannan was arrested for speaking against EVR.
  • In November 2022, Kishore K Swamy was detained again for posts critical of MK Stalin related to monsoon preparations.
  • In December 2022, the DMK government arrested an AMMK cadre for a meme targetting Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Sports Ministry.
  • In July 2023, The Commune and its directors faced legal action for reporting on the confrontation between Podu Deekshitars of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and HR&CE officials.
  • TN BJP Functionary Pravin Raj was arrested in the wee hours of 1 October 2023 for his posts targeting the ruling party and the Congress.
  • In September 2023, the Tamil Nadu police even went up to Noida to try to arrest journalist Abhijit Majumder for his article on Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘eradicate Sanathana Dharma’ remarks. 
  • In September 2023, Arani Mahesh was jailed for allegedly defaming Udhayanidhi Stalin.
  • In July 2023, a critic of the DMK, Badri Seshadri, was arrested for his comments in an interview on a YouTube channel regarding the Manipur issue, during which he made remarks about the Chief Justice of India.
  • In June 2023, Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah was taken into custody under non-bailable sections for his comments regarding Madurai CPI-M MP Su Venkatesan concerning a sanitation worker’s tragic death during drain cleaning in Pennadam town, Cuddalore district.
  • In June 2023, an AIADMK IT wing member was apprehended under non-bailable sections for sharing a video meme that humorously referenced MK Stalin’s video statement on Senthilbalaji’s arrest. The meme did not contain derogatory content.
  • In June 2023, a pro-BJP Twitter user was arrested for sharing an old article and allegedly misattributing DMK to an illegal liquor-producing gang in Tiruppur, following the recent hooch tragedy in Marakkanam.
  • In April 2023. Vice President of Tamil Nadu BJP’s Industrial Cell, Selva Kumar, was arrested for criticizing DMK Minister Senthilbalaji.
  • In March 2023, the admin of Voice of Savukku Shankar X handle was arrested for a video meme targeting CM MK Stalin and DMK Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan regarding the “eligible household” clause in the monthly assistance scheme for women.
  • In February 2023, the DMK government traveled to Gujarat to arrest BJP cadre John Ravi, who had made satirical social media posts about CM MK Stalin and his late father, Karunanidhi.
  • In June 2023, Uma Garghi, a BJP supporter was arrested twice on allegations of sharing defamatory posts targeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, former CM M Karunanidhi, and Dravidian movement leader EV Ramasamy.
  • In September 2023, former VHP leader RBVS Manian, an octagenarian, was arrested for derogatory remarks on BR Ambedkar.
  • In October 2023, N Muthuramalingam, the State Propaganda Secretary of South India Forward Bloc, was arrested for expressing his views on Facebook regarding the release of terrorists convicted in the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts case. Muthuramalingam had criticized Dravidian parties for considering the release of 36 prisoners, including those convicted for life in the Coimbatore terror attack, leading to his arrest.
  • In October 2023, an NTK cadre was arrested by TN police for a social media post on Karunanidhi.
  • In October 2023, TN police arrested BJP member Amar Prasad Reddy for allegedly attacking and damaging a JCB machine brought to remove the party’s flagpole outside state president K. Annamalai’s Chennai residence.
  • In October 2023, a BJP cadre was hounded by TN Police for inadvertently sharing a fake news card – his passport was impounded, he lost his job, and he was jailed too.
  • In October 2023, a Hindu Munnani member was arrested for allegedly making ‘defamatory remarks’ against DMK MP A Raja.
  • In November 2023, six farmers protesting land acquisition were jailed under the Goondas Act.
  • In January 2024, BJP IT Wing and Social Media State Secretary Trichy Pugal Machendran was arrested for an alleged provocative Facebook post celebrating the death of the terrorist Palani Baba on his death anniversary. The post referred to Palani Baba as a “poisonous influence.”
  • In March 2024, Minjur Saleem, a pro-BJP activist found himself detained and later arrested for his dissenting views regarding the DMK Party’s governance, which he expressed on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
  • In March 2024, TN Police went all the way to Bihar to arrest an online troll for posting a meme on DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
  • In May 2024, TN police arrested YouTuber Savukku Shankar for his ‘obscene’ comment about women police officers in a recent interview.
  • In May 2024, TN police arrested YouTuber Felix Gerald for allegedly ‘instigating’ Savukku Shankar to make defamatory remarks against police.
  • In July 2024, DMK government arrested NTK propaganda secretary Sattai Duraimurugan for an alleged defamatory song about Karunanidhi.
  • In August 2024, Savukku Shankar was again detained under Goondas Act for allegedly possessing ganja. Seven cases were filed against him.
  • In October 2024, film director Mohan G Kshatriyan was arrested without following due procedure for a comment he made in an interview.
  • In November 2024, BJP supporter Johny Raja was arrested in Chennai by Vellore police following social media posts allegedly targeting the ruling DMK party.
  • In November 2024, TN police went all the way to Hyderabad to arrest actress Kasthuri Shankar for her remarks on Telugu community, despite having apologised for the same.
  • In November 2024, IMK chief Arjun Sampath’s son Omkar Balaji was arrested for remarks against Dravidianist journo ‘Nakkheeran’ Gopal, he was released later.
  • In December 2024, TN Police arrested a youth for posting a video of an elderly woman throwing slippers and dirt at MK Stalin’s poster. Additionally, a complaint was filed against the old lady by a DMK MLA.
  • In December 2024, temple activist Rangarajan Narasimhan was arrested by Chennai cyber crime police for allegedly “defaming” Udhayanidhi Stalin.
  • In January 2025, a Dindigul BJP leader who exposed the illegal sale of liquor in broad daylight was arrested by TN police.
  • In February 2025, a BJP TN functionary Kannan was arrested for his remarks against Chief Minister Stalin at the budget explanation meeting.
  • In March 2025, an activist and ex-BJP worker who exposed the poor quality of newly built toilets at Tiruchendur Temple complex was arrested by TN Police at 4 AM that day.
  • In March 2025, a Hindu Munnani leader was arrested for posting on social media alleging demolition of a temple.
  • In March 2025, TN BJP leader SG Suryah was arrested for a 3-language policy signature campaign in Chennai, he was released later.
  • In March 2025, YouTuber Savukku Shankar house was attacked – thugs dressed as sanitary workers ransacked his home, terrorized his mother, and smeared filth across the rooms and dining table, allegedly because he exposed TN Congress chief Selvaperunthagai’s hygiene workers vehicle purchase scam.

A Democracy Of Convenience?

Out of those arrested, at least six individuals were booked explicitly for allegedly defaming Stalin or his son and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin. Others were silenced for expressing dissenting views—be it on caste issues, women’s rights, religious practices, or land policies.

When juxtaposed with Stalin’s soaring rhetoric about “fearless journalism” and “democracy dying in darkness,” this track record suggests not a defender of free speech, but a leader who suppresses it when it becomes inconvenient.

If Stalin truly believes that democracy depends on fearless journalism, why does his government repeatedly jail dissenters, slap critics with Goondas Act charges, and stifle independent voices?

World Press Freedom Day should not be reduced to hashtags and hollow statements. It is a moment to reflect on whether those in power practice what they preach. For all his condemnation of the BJP’s media crackdowns, Stalin’s own house appears far from clean.

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Why Suriya Is The Flop Star Of Tamil Cinema

By
The Commune
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Dravidianist actor Suriya’s career continues to nosedive—and this time, it’s Retro digging him a deeper hole. Once a bankable star, the Dravidianist poster boy seems more interested in riding on the coattails of established directors than actually acting. The result? One flop after another. Instead of picking solid stories, he’s busy chasing names, and it’s clearly not working.

According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Retro barely pulled in ₹3.38 crore (India nett) on day five. Despite an okay opening of ₹19.25 crore on 1 May, the film crashed the next day—same old story. Suriya’s previous film Kanguva followed the exact same script an initial ₹24 crore opening, followed by a free fall to ₹9.5 crore on day two—a humiliating 60% drop. Retro did even worse, plummeting 61%.

Theaters showed the damage. Day two of Retro saw average occupancy at just 40.23%, with morning shows scraping together 23% and even night shows barely touching 53%. No buzz, no pull—just another forgettable release. Coming to Day six the movie had only an overall 14.47% morning show Occupancy.

Suriya’s 16-Year Theatrical Dry Spell

Let’s be blunt, Suriya hasn’t delivered a theatrical hit for all audiences since Singam—way back in 2009. That’s 16 years of consistent underperformance. Why? Because he’s stuck in a loop of poor story choices, playing it safe, and refusing to back new talent. He seems to think success is guaranteed if he latches onto already-famous directors—but they’ve only dragged him down.

Take Jigarthanda Double X, for instance—a box office dud that somehow had a “success meet.” Suriya bought the hype and gave director Karthik Subbaraj another shot. The reward? Retro, a cinematic disaster that’s burning money.

And what’s next? A movie based on RJ Balaji’s Masani Amman script. If you think that’s the comeback vehicle, good luck. Or maybe his direct Telugu venture with Venkatesh Atluri will change things? At this point, it’s less about hope and more about blind faith.

Same Old Face, Same Old Flaws

Even on screen, there’s a big problem, Suriya doesn’t become his characters anymore. He just shows up as “Suriya.” That disconnect is killing any chance of audience immersion. The artificiality is obvious—and Tamil audiences have become far too sharp to fall for name alone.

If he wants to survive in this industry, Suriya needs to wake up. Stop recycling directors. Stop betting on tired formulas. Go back to choosing strong, grounded scripts. Play real, relatable characters again—like in Kaakha Kaakha or Vaaranam Aayiram. Until then, all the “2.0” talk is just noise. You can’t reboot a failing career with lazy decisions.

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“Reservation Has Become Like Train Compartments, Once In, They Don’t Want To Let Others In”, Says Supreme Court Judge Surya Kant In Maharashtra OBC Quota Case

By
The Commune
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surya kant supreme court reservation train compartment

Caste-based reservation in India has come under sharp scrutiny from the Supreme Court, with Justice Surya Kant—who is set to become the next Chief Justice of India—drawing a striking analogy during a hearing on local body polls in Maharashtra.

“Reservation in the country has become like train compartments. People who have got in don’t want to let others come in,” Justice Kant observed while hearing a batch of petitions on the implementation of Other Backward Class (OBC) quotas in local elections in Maharashtra. “This is the principle of inclusivity. Governments are duty-bound to identify more classes. There are politically, economically and socially deprived people. Why should they not get the benefit? Only a few families and groups are getting the benefit,” he added.

The hearing focused on the long-pending civic elections in Maharashtra, which were last held between 2016 and 2017. The delay, spanning nearly eight years, is largely attributed to legal and procedural hurdles surrounding OBC reservations. In 2021, the Supreme Court had struck down a state government ordinance that sought to provide 27% OBC quota, ruling it unconstitutional due to non-compliance with a required three-step framework.

The court had earlier mandated that any OBC quota must meet three conditions:

  1. A dedicated commission must conduct a contemporary empirical inquiry into backwardness.
  2. The state must determine the proportion of reservation needed based on the commission’s recommendations.
  3. The total reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs must not exceed 50%.

Despite the identification of OBCs during delimitation, senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the petitioner, argued that Maharashtra had failed to apply the data meaningfully. She also alleged that the state government was effectively running the local bodies through handpicked officials, avoiding elections under the guise of legal hurdles.

Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing another petitioner, emphasized the need to distinguish between politically and socially backward groups within the broader OBC category for the purpose of more equitable reservation.

Interestingly, the “train compartment” metaphor used by Justice Kant was previously employed by another senior judge, Justice BR Gavai, in a ruling on the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Justice Gavai, who will become Chief Justice later this month, stated, “I find that the attitude of the categories in the Presidential List opposing such a sub-classification is that of a person in the general compartment of the train. Firstly, the persons outside the compartment struggled to get into the general compartment. However, once they get inside it, they make every attempt possible to prevent the persons outside such a compartment from entering it.”

These observations come at a politically sensitive time, as the Union government has announced the inclusion of caste-based data in the next national Census. The move is seen as a step toward identifying underrepresented communities more effectively for affirmative action, a demand long made by several opposition parties.

The Supreme Court is expected to continue hearing the matter later on 6 May 2025.

(With inputs from NDTV)

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Delhi High Court Stays Copyright Injunction Against AR Rahman In Ponniyin Selvan 2 ‘Veera Raja Veera’ Song Case

By
The Commune
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ar rahman veera raja veera ponniyin selvan 2 delhi high court

In a significant development, the Delhi High Court on 6 May 2025 stayed an interim injunction issued against renowned music composer AR Rahman in a copyright infringement case linked to the popular song Veera Raja Veera from the 2023 Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan 2 (PS2).

The legal battle was initiated by Indian classical vocalist and Padma Shri awardee Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, who alleged that the composition of Veera Raja Veera was lifted from Shiva Stuti, a musical piece composed by his father Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar and uncle Zahiruddin Dagar.

On 25 April 2025, a single-judge Bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh had ruled in Dagar’s favour, directing Rahman and the film’s producers to give credit to the Dagar brothers across all digital platforms. The order also imposed ₹2 lakh in costs and directed the appellants to deposit ₹2 crore as security. Rahman appealed against the decision.

The Division Bench comprising Justices C Hari Shankar and Ajay Digpaul on Tuesday granted interim relief to Rahman, staying the injunction until the next date of hearing, 23 May 2025.

“As the subject matter of the copyright in which the injunction has been granted has been in public domain since 2023, without prejudice to the rights and contentions of both sides and without intending the order to be any expression on cases of the parties before us, we stay the operation of the injunction granted by Ld. Single Judge till the next date of hearing,” the Court stated.

The Bench also stayed the ₹2 lakh cost imposed on Rahman and the producers but maintained the direction to deposit ₹2 crore, clarifying that this did not reflect any opinion on the merits of the case.

Dagar had argued that while the lyrics of Veera Raja Veera differ from Shiva Stuti, the “taal, beat and musical structure are identical” to the original composition, which has been performed globally by the Junior Dagar brothers and featured in PAN Records albums.

Rahman, however, strongly refuted the allegations. He maintained that Shiva Stuti is a traditional Dhrupad composition and thus part of the public domain. His legal team further contended that Veera Raja Veera is an original composition rooted in Western musical principles, comprising “227 distinct layers” and diverging significantly from the conventions of Hindustani classical music.

In the initial ruling, Justice Singh had remarked, “In this case, the core of the impugned song Veera Raja Veera is not just inspired but is in fact identical in Swaras (notes), Bhava (emotion) and Aural impact (impact on the ear) of the suit composition Shiva Stuti, from the point of view of a lay listener. Hence the Defendant’s composition infringes the Plaintiff’s rights in Shiva Stuti.”

The outcome of Rahman’s appeal is now awaited, with the matter scheduled for detailed hearing on 23 May 2025.

(With inputs from Bar and Bench)

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DMK 2.0 Will Become Like Kamal’s Indian 2.0, Annamalai Says

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The Commune
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dmk annamalai kamal indian 2.0

Former Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has launched a launched a scathing attack on the DMK government, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order in the state. He particularly highlighted a disturbing trend of violent crimes, including a recent spate of robberies and murders targeting elderly individuals in farmhouses across the Kongu region. Despite these incidents, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has continued to claim that the DMK has delivered good governance and that the party’s return to power in 2026 will mark “DMK 2.0.”

Mocking the Chief Minister’s optimism, Annamalai compared the “DMK 2.0” pitch to Indian 2.0, a sequel to the Kamal Haasan film that was widely panned. Speaking at a protest held in Sivagiri on 5 May 2025, Annamalai ridiculed the comparison, saying, “The Chief Minister says, ‘If they come back to power, we’ll see DMK 2.0.’ But it will end up like the film Indian 2.0. That grandpa is different, and this ‘grandpa’ is different. No matter which 2.0 comes, you all know how it ends. He’s grading himself and claiming a comeback in 2026 like Indian 2.0. Beloveds, we must stand united—beyond party lines. Even if there are DMK cadres among us, I request you to acknowledge that law and order has broken down under this government. You must accept this, because your own families have women and elderly grandparents living in farm lands. This is not a political attack on DMK for the sake of it. It’s a call for everyone to come together.”

The protest was organized to condemn the brutal murder of Ramasamy and Bhakiyammal, an elderly couple living in Megaraiyan estate near Sivagiri in Erode district, who were killed during a robbery on 29 April. Annamalai warned that if the culprits are not apprehended within two weeks, the BJP would launch a continuous hunger strike in Sivagiri starting 20 May.

Citing a pattern of violent crimes in the region, Annamalai listed incidents in Namakkal, Chennimalai, Palladam, and other areas where farmers and elderly individuals were targeted. He expressed concern that the lack of swift arrests in these cases has eroded public confidence in the police force.

Annamalai also revealed alarming statistics that in the past three years, Tamil Nadu has recorded 1,319 sexual assault cases, 4,949 cases of sexual harassment, and 16,518 POCSO cases. “This government lacks the capability to ensure safety. People are waiting for a strong leader who can take decisive action,” he stated.

He demanded that Chief Minister Stalin hand over the investigation into the recent murders in Kongu Mandal to the CBI, criticizing the state government for protecting its image over delivering justice. “Two ministers were forced to resign in a single day. Thirteen are facing corruption cases. This is not governance—it’s chaos,” he added.

Annamalai also criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s silence on national security concerns, such as the central government’s directive to expel Pakistani nationals residing illegally in India, especially in the wake of attacks on Indian tourists in Kashmir.

Earlier in the day, Annamalai visited the bereaved family of the murdered couple and offered his condolences. He was accompanied by BJP leaders, including Modakkurichi MLA Dr. C. Saraswathi.

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Supreme Court Uploads Judges’ Assets, Appointment Data To Boost Judicial Transparency

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The Commune
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supreme court assets constitution

In a landmark move to promote transparency and bolster public confidence in the judiciary, the Supreme Court of India has, for the first time, made the declarations of assets and liabilities of its judges publicly accessible on its official website.

The declarations include those of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and 20 other sitting judges of the apex court. Among them are the next three judges in line to assume the position of Chief Justice in the near future. This unprecedented decision follows a Full Court meeting held on 1 April 2025, presided over by CJI Khanna, in which all judges unanimously agreed to make their personal asset disclosures public.

Until now, Supreme Court judges were mandated to submit asset statements to the Chief Justice, but these records remained confidential. The recent decision mandates that these statements be uploaded to the Court’s website as a matter of policy and practice going forward.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of controversy following alleged cash recovery from the official premises of Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, which sparked public debate about accountability within the judiciary.

A press release from the Supreme Court confirmed the move, “The Full Court of the Supreme Court of India has on April 1, 2025, decided that the statements of assets of the judges of this Court shall be placed in the public domain by uploading the same on the website of this Court. Statements of assets of judges already received are being uploaded. Statements of assets of other judges will be uploaded as and when received.”

At present, asset declarations from 22 judges, including CJI Khanna, Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Abhay S. Oka, Vikram Nath, Bela M. Trivedi, and others have been made available online. Declarations from remaining judges are expected to be uploaded as they are submitted.

In addition to the asset disclosures, the Supreme Court has also released detailed information regarding the judicial appointments process. This includes recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium for High Court judgeships from 9 November 2022 to 5 May 2025. The publicly available data includes the candidate’s name, High Court, source (Bar or judicial service), date of recommendation and appointment, category (SC/ST/OBC/Minority/Woman), and whether the nominee is related to any sitting or retired judge of a High Court or the Supreme Court.

This new policy marks a turning point in judicial accountability in India. By making such information accessible, the Supreme Court has set a precedent that legal experts and transparency advocates have long demanded.

(With inputs from Live Law)

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Dravidianist Media News18 TN & Thanthi TV Run Clickbait Headline, Misquote BJP Leader Annamalai, Message On Vision & Governance Reduced To Misleading Line On Alliance

By
The Commune
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news18 thanthi tv annamalai

Dravidianist media outlets in Tamil Nadu, eager for clickbait, have come together to push a misleading narrative, misquoting former BJP Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai after his recent press meet. Annamalai had clearly stated that he does not believe in forming a strong alliance based solely on numbers, but rather in offering the people a vision for a better government. However, these media outlets, which often align with the DMK, selectively twisted his words, misleadingly headlining his statement as, “We have not united to defeat the DMK.”

Media outlets like News18 Tamil Nadu and Thanthi TV played a key role in spreading this distorted narrative.

On 5 May 2025, News18 Tamil Nadu posted a video with a misleading headline, alleging that Annamalai had said, “I don’t believe we have united to defeat DMK”. They cherry-picked the first few words of his statement and used it as clickbait, completely ignoring the rest of his remarks.

Similarly, Thanthi TV ran a headline claiming, “Our alliance did not form to defeat DMK”, presenting an out-of-context response that misrepresented Annamalai’s actual message.

Instead, at the press conference, K. Annamalai stated, “Personally, I don’t have much faith in the idea of a strong alliance to defeat the DMK. What makes strength? Is it the numbers? As far as I’m, the question is, what kind of government will we offer after defeating the DMK? People are asking, ‘You want to send the DMK home, but what are you going to do then? How will you address the law and order? The people ask what is the vision?’ They want a vision. If Tamil Nadu is givern for the next five years, what will we do? Today, our brother Edappadi Palaniswami, the opposition leader and political leaders in Tamil Nadu are already talking about what they will do, but for me, the 2026 elections won’t be decided by just numbers. It won’t be about how many parties are on the DMK’s side versus how many are on the opposition side. What matters is, if the people want to remove the DMK, who will offer them a better government? That’s the conversation happening today.”

He continued, “I don’t believe in, ‘Let’s unite to defeat the DMK.’ What I believe in is ‘Let’s unite to defeat the DMK and give a good government.’ That is what the Bharatiya Janata Party believes and I think all parties, including the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, believes in.”

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