Madras High Court, Supreme appellate court in Chennai, India
Madras High Court is a large courthouse in central Chennai with red brick walls, pointed towers and arched openings. The structure rises several storeys with spacious inner courtyards and connected wings that house numerous courtrooms and administrative chambers.
This court began operations under British colonial rule in 1862 with three judges deciding civil and criminal cases. After Indian independence, jurisdiction expanded to cover states including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and later other regions in southern India.
Courtrooms combine English legal traditions with Tamil proceedings, and lawyers wear black robes during hearings. Outside the main hall, visitors and relatives wait under shaded arcades, while law offices line the surrounding streets and form a busy legal community.
The complex is located in the old town, and visitors should choose respectful clothing if attending hearings. Security checks take place at the entrance, so allow extra minutes to pass through screening.
Some judges wear traditional white wigs modelled on English practice during ceremonial sessions, a custom retained in few Indian courts. The main hall features tall wooden panels and heavy chandeliers reminiscent of Victorian parliamentary chambers.
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