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In re: Cancellation of Ryotwari Patta over water bodies in Tiruvallur district

The Supreme Court upheld the cancellation of ryotwari pattas issued on land classified as government water bodies in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. In a judgment delivered on 23 October 2026, the Court mandated that authorities must provide alternative land to twenty innocent flat owners before proceeding with the demolition of illegal structures. The court reiterated that statutory land classification remains unchanged by zoning rules.

State of Tamil Nadu vs State of Karnataka — Cauvery water sharing

The Supreme Court is hearing a dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka concerning the release of 11 TMC of Cauvery water to address crop distress and drought management. Following heated arguments, the Supreme Court reserved its order on the plea as of 12 October 2026. This case continues to address compliance issues under the Cauvery Management Scheme, which the court approved on 18 May 2018.

In re: Reservation for religious converts

The Supreme Court dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's appeal on 15 October 2026, upholding a Madras High Court judgment that ruled individuals do not automatically attain backward class status or claim Muslim backward class reservation benefits upon converting to Islam. Following the dismissal, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged the state government on 15 October 2026 to explore further legal avenues to challenge the decision.

Encroachment Clearance in Agasthyamalai Landscape

In the case of A. John Kennedy vs State of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court issued a judgment on 29 May 2026 regarding the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape. The court ordered the time-bound removal of all encroachments from protected areas, including the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, and mandated the closure of resorts within the region.

State of Tamil Nadu vs Accused — Dr. SD Subbiah murder case

The sessions court initially sentenced seven individuals to death and two to life imprisonment for the murder of neurologist Dr. SD Subbiah. Following an acquittal of all accused by the Madras High Court in June 2024, the Supreme Court set aside the acquittals on 19 May 2026. The Supreme Court restored the convictions of the seven individuals while modifying their sentencing to life imprisonment, with two others permitted to seek pardon.

State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu — Legislative Bill Assent Case

The Supreme Court delivered a verdict regarding the constitutional powers of the Governor of Tamil Nadu concerning the assent of legislative bills. The ruling addressed the extent of the Governor's authority in withholding assent to bills passed by the state legislature.