Mandate 2026: Ten Legal Reforms for Tamil Nadu
Mandate 2026: Ten Legal Reforms for Tamil Nadu arrives at a pivotal moment in Tamil Nadu’s history. In May 2026, for the first time in nearly six decades, a new party took office, marking a generational shift in the state’s political landscape. This book offers the new government recommendations as part of a progressive legal policy agenda: an opportunity to reiterate the pragmatism, justice, drive, and ambition that have characterised Tamil Nadu’s governance and lawmaking.
We ask and answer ten critical reform questions for Tamil Nadu across three themes:
I. On Economy and Livelihoods, we ask: Why do so many women farm in the state, but are still not recognised as farmers? Should the state jail its entrepreneurs for trivial lapses such as affixing a wrong postal stamp? Can gig work give Tamil Nadu’s youth a livelihood that lasts, not just a job that pays? Should Tamil Nadu continue to treat agriculture as the default use of land at its present stage of economic development?
II. On Rights and Dignity, we ask: Can public buildings be called ‘public’ if persons with disabilities still struggle to enter them? How should the state meaningfully protect the freedom to choose a partner across caste lines? Can Tamil Nadu defend its pioneering transgender welfare framework that it spent two decades building?
III. On Institutions and Governance, we ask: As public health responsibilities scatter across new agencies, can a nearly century-old law still knit them into one system? How should the state curb its reflex to treat every problem with new regulation? Finally, if ignorance of the law is no excuse, can Tamil Nadu keep its promise of making the law knowable to all?
Tamil Nadu takes great pride in being a model state. This book is our contribution towards upholding stability, prosperity, and the rule of law in Tamil Nadu.
To learn more about the work done by the Vidhi Tamil Nadu team, click here
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About the Authors
Manjushree is a Senior Resident Fellow and Team Lead at Vidhi, Tamil Nadu. She has previously advised the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022, and has also advised the International Financial Services Centre Authority. She graduated from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad in 2019. Her primary areas of interest are International Economic Law and Competition Law. She is a trained theatre enthusiast, and has featured in several plays directed by the National School of Drama.
Sruthakeerthy is a Senior Resident Fellow at Vidhi Tamil Nadu. Prior to this, as a Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow working with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in rural Tamil Nadu, she was involved in the formulation and implementation of policies and action plans to improve the skill development ecosystem, targeted at raising economic output, mitigating unemployment and promoting livelihoods. She has also worked as a Legal Content Analyst at Nyaaya, creating explainers and guides to enhance legal awareness. She graduated with a B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) from NALSAR University of Law in 2020. She enjoys reading, listening to music, singing, and travelling.
Nihal is a Senior Resident Fellow at Vidhi Tamil Nadu. His interests include jurisprudence, technology, and public health. Nihal graduated from the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi in 2023. He enjoys chess, modern political history, and English fiction.
Raagini is a Research Fellow at Vidhi Tamil Nadu. Prior to this, she undertook research on WTO compliance and sustainable trade practices at the Centre for Trade and Investment Laws. She holds a B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) degree from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad (2022). Her areas of interest include gender, human rights and anti-discrimination laws. Outside of her work, she is a trained rifle shooter and enjoys surfing, scuba diving and learning about marine life.