Sat Jan 11 07:53:20 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu to Establish Seven Special Courts for Sexual Assault Cases

**Chennai, January 11, 2025** – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the establishment of seven special courts dedicated to hearing cases involving sexual assault on women. These courts will be located in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Salem, Tiruchi, and Chennai and its surrounding areas. The announcement came during Mr. Stalin’s reply to the Governor’s address in the state Assembly on Saturday.

To expedite trials, a special committee headed by an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) will be formed in each district. Furthermore, amendments to the Tamil Nadu Prison Rules of 1983 will be implemented to restrict bail for those accused of sexual assault.

The announcement follows the Assembly’s passage of the Criminal Laws (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (Amendment) Bill, 2025, both introduced by Mr. Stalin on Friday. These legislative changes aim to strengthen legal protections for women and ensure swifter justice in sexual assault cases.

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