Chennai – A freshly installed sign on State Highway 93, covering the Sathankulam‑Nazareth stretch in Thoothukudi district, ignited controversy when Hindi wording appeared alongside Tamil and English. The photo went viral, sparking immediate public outcry.
Hindi Text Quickly Erased
Within a few hours, the department took down the Hindi portion, invoking Tamil Nadu’s long‑standing rule that mandates only Tamil and English on official road signs. Authorities warned that any breach would invite disciplinary action.
Two Highway Officers Put on Suspension
The state released a notice confirming that an assistant divisional engineer and an assistant engineer from the highways wing have been suspended. A departmental inquiry is underway to identify who approved the inclusion of Hindi on the sign.
Government Issues a Firm Caution
Officials were reminded that future violations of the two‑language directive will attract “strict action.” The incident has revived debate over language usage on public infrastructure, a particularly sensitive issue in the region.
Political Reactions
Opposition leaders swiftly condemned the lapse. Former chief minister and DMK head M.K. Stalin stressed the need to respect the state’s linguistic guidelines, while PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss called for accountability.
With the Hindi script removed and disciplinary proceedings in progress, the Tamil Nadu government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Tamil‑English signage policy across all state highways.
