Madras High Court Restricts Shops on Marina Beach, Sets Guidelines

Chennai: The Madras High Court has issued a directive regarding the presence of shops on Marina Beach, stating that it should not resemble a shopping mall or bazaar. The ruling, announced by a special bench comprising Justices R. Suresh Kumar and A.D. Jagadish Chandira, came after a petition was filed by a local woman seeking to establish a shop on the beach.

During a site inspection on December 22, 2025, the judges assessed the number of shops operating on the beach, which is renowned as the second-largest in the world. They expressed concern regarding the reported 1,980 shops, labelling this figure as 'obnoxiously very high and unwanted' relative to the foot traffic at the location.

The court clarified that only shops selling specific categories of goods—namely food, toys, and decorative items—would be permitted on the beach. "The beach is not a shopping mall or bazaar but solely a recreational space for the public, particularly for women and children," the justices stated. They underscored the need for an orderly arrangement of shops, advising that those selling products outside the approved categories should be removed.

In addition, the court instructed the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to engage in consultations with various stakeholders, including the city police and state government departments. The goal is to formulate a draft plan that would regulate the types and locations of shops allowed on the beach. This plan must be submitted within one week, after which the court will review the document before making a final decision.

The bench noted the GCC’s proposal to establish three designated Blue Flag beach areas, aimed at enhancing visitor facilities, including a playground for children. The court adjourned the matter until January 8, 2026, for further hearing, following the submission of the draft plan.