Sun Feb 15 11:29:30 UTC 2026: # Viksit Bharat Act Faces Legal Challenge in Madras High Court

The Story:
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been lodged in the Madras High Court challenging the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act) of 2025. This Act replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005. The PIL contests eight provisions within the new legislation.

The case has been filed by T. Sivagnanasambandan, a 71-year-old advocate from Chennai, and is expected to be heard by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan of the first Division Bench. The advocate is represented by his counsel M.L. Ravi.

Key Points:

  • A PIL has been filed against the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act of 2025.
  • The Act replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005.
  • The PIL challenges eight provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act.
  • The case was filed by advocate T. Sivagnanasambandan and is represented by M.L. Ravi.
  • The case is expected to be heard by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan of the Madras High Court.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of the legal challenge, just a year after the VB-G RAM G Act replaced MGNREGA, suggests that concerns about the new act’s efficacy or potential negative impacts have quickly surfaced and prompted legal action. The fact that an advocate filed the PIL indicates the belief that the new act violates fundamental rights or public interest.

Key Takeaways:

  • The legal challenge indicates potential dissatisfaction with the VB-G RAM G Act and its implementation.
  • The specific provisions being challenged will likely be the focus of public scrutiny and debate.
  • The outcome of the PIL could significantly impact rural employment guarantee schemes and the livelihoods of many citizens.
  • The case highlights the importance of judicial review in safeguarding the interests of vulnerable populations.

Impact Analysis:

The outcome of this PIL has potentially far-reaching consequences. If the court rules in favor of the petitioner, it could force amendments to the VB-G RAM G Act or even its repeal, potentially leading to a reinstatement or revision of MGNREGA. This could have a significant impact on the rural economy, employment rates, and social welfare programs. A ruling against the petitioner, on the other hand, could solidify the VB-G RAM G Act and its approach to rural employment, potentially shaping the future of such schemes for years to come.

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