Retired judge M.S. Janarthanam’s funeral to be held with police honours: T.N. CM Stalin

Justice M.S. Janarthanam. File | Photo Credit: Vino John

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday (June 6, 2025) announced that the funeral of retired Madras High Court judge and former chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission, Justice M.S. Janarthanam, would be held with police honours, in recognition of his contributions to social justice.

Justice Janarthanam, who had also served as president of the Tamil Nadu State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, passed away in Chennai on Friday. He was 89.

In his condolence message, Mr. Stalin recalled that Justice Janarthanam served as a judge of the Madras High Court from 1988 to 1998, during which he delivered several landmark judgments. He also served as chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission from 2006 to 2015.

“It was on the basis of his recommendations that reservations were implemented for Muslims, Christians, and Arundhathiyars in Tamil Nadu. He carved a niche for himself in the history of social justice. The demise of Justice M.S. Janarthanam is an irreparable loss to the cause of social justice,” Mr. Stalin said.

‘Shining example’

In his condolence message, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said that Justice Janarthanam had recommended a 10.5% reservation for Vanniyars, and described him as a shining example of how a chairman of the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission should perform.

Published - June 06, 2025 04:12 pm IST