In a striking statement during court proceedings on 24 January 2025, Justice SM Subramaniam of the Madras High Court slammed the Tamil Nadu government, demanding it take a stance against corruption with an “iron hand”. His remarks came a day after Chief Minister MK Stalin announced Tamil Nadu’s pioneering role in the Iron Age, dating back over 5,300 years.
The Division Bench, comprising Justice Subramaniam and Justice M. Jothiraman, heard the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) R. Muniyapparaj during the proceedings and made pointed comments linking the government’s historical claims to its present-day governance.
“Yesterday, Tamil people were declared as a pioneer for having used iron ore 5,300 years ago. Same way, corruption must be destroyed with an iron hand, so that Tamil Nadu will be a pioneer in the destruction of corruption too. Do that,” Justice Subramaniam remarked.
Tamil Nadu’s Iron Age Claim
The comments followed Chief Minister Stalin’s declaration at the launch of the book Irumbin Thonmai (Antiquity of Iron), which highlighted research tracing the use of iron in Tamil Nadu back to 3345 BCE. The findings, based on radiocarbon dating of 28 samples from the Sivagalai archaeological site in Thoothukudi district, were confirmed by reputed research centers in Pune, Ahmedabad, and Miami, Florida.
Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the importance of the findings, asserting that they reshaped the historical timeline of the Indian subcontinent.
“With immense pride and unmatched satisfaction, I have declared to the world: “The Iron Age began on Tamil soil!” Based on results from world-renowned institutions, the use of iron in Tamil Nadu dates back to the beginning of 4th millennium B.C.E., establishing that iron usage was prominent in South India over 5,300 years ago. What was written in our ancient literature is now becoming scientifically proven history, thanks to the meticulous efforts of our #DravidianModel Government. The history of the Indian subcontinent can no longer overlook Tamil Nadu. In fact, it must begin here!” he wrote on his social media (X) handle.
With immense pride and unmatched satisfaction, I have declared to the world:
“The Iron Age began on Tamil soil!”
Based on results from world-renowned institutions, the use of iron in Tamil Nadu dates back to the beginning of 4th millennium B.C.E., establishing that iron usage… pic.twitter.com/YYslKX7K5F
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) January 23, 2025
Justice Subramaniam, however, used the declaration to underscore the state’s failure to address corruption effectively. “Tamil Nadu must now curb corruption with iron hands,” he said, stressing that the government’s pride in ancient history should extend to cleaning up its administration.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
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