Draw of lots for 300 Marina beach shops to be held

The draw of lots to select traders for 300 shops proposed to be set up at Marina beach will be held on February 12, 2026, in accordance with the orders of the Madras High Court. The process will be conducted under the supervision of former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court N. Paul Vasanthakumar, with the cooperation of an ad hoc committee comprising Corporation officials and headed by the Commissioner, according to a press release.

The draw will be conducted in three sessions: food items at 10 a.m., decorative and gift items at 2 p.m., and toys at 4.30 p.m.

Of the 1,417 persons identified by the court, 1,395 were served notices through speed post and one in person. Twenty-one persons refused to receive the notice. A special camp was held at Ripon Buildings on February 6, 2026, to collect details of persons with disabilities. Medical examinations were conducted by the Department for the Welfare of the Differently Abled and certificates were issued to six eligible persons.

As per the court’s directions, 300 shops will be established across four designated zones at Marina beach. Of these, 100 traders each will be selected by draw of lots under the food, decorative and gift items, and toys categories. Five per cent reservation will be provided for persons with disabilities in each category.

Five facilitation centres have been set up at Ripon Buildings for document verification, and only those with entry passes will be permitted inside the hall.