Quick facts
- Law: Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947 and its rules.
- Format: Tamil on top and largest, commonly in a 5:3:2 ratio of Tamil, English and any other language.
- Fine: Greater Chennai Corporation has fined non-compliant shops Rs.2,000 (2025 drive).
- Court: The Madras High Court has given retailers a final deadline of 1 November to display shop names in Tamil.
- Also: Section 12 of the Companies Act and CGST Rule 18 still apply to Companies and GST-registered businesses.
What the Tamil Signboard rule says
Shops and establishments in Tamil Nadu must display their name boards in Tamil, under the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947 and its rules. Tamil goes on top and in the largest letters; English and any other language follow, commonly in a 5:3:2 ratio.
In May 2025 the Greater Chennai Corporation began inspections, with a Rs.2,000 fine for non-compliant shops after a three-month grace period (News Today). The state Labour department also warned that the rule must be followed "in letter and spirit" (ETV Bharat). In 2026 the Madras High Court gave retailers a final deadline of 1 November, warning of action after that (DT Next).
Who must follow it
- Shops, showrooms, restaurants and hotels across Tamil Nadu
- Offices, including the registered office of a PVT. LTD. Company, LLP or OPC
- Proprietorship and Partnership firms running any commercial premises
The right Tamil Signboard layout
| Line | What to show | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (largest) | Business name in Tamil | ரப்பர் ஸ்டாம்ப்வாலா |
| 2 | Business name in English | RUBBER STAMPWALA |
| 3 | Registered office address | Full address with PIN code |
| 4 | CIN / LLPIN and GSTIN | GSTIN: 33XXXXX0000X1Z5 |
Our Signboards print the Tamil name larger than the English name, and Tamil text and digits stay in Tamil. Type your name in Tamil on the free Signboard preview; for Proprietorship and Partnership firms use the GST Signboard preview. Nothing is made until you approve the preview.
Companies and LLPs: more than one law on the board
A Company board in Tamil Nadu must also meet Section 12 of the Companies Act (name and registered office address outside the office) and, once GST-registered, show the GSTIN under CGST Rule 18. The same board appears in the MGT-7 / MGT-7A registered office photograph.
Tamil Nadu city guides
Tamil Nadu city guide: Chennai · Coimbatore · Madurai · Tiruppur · Tiruchirappalli
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Frequently asked questions
Is a Tamil name board mandatory in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. Shops and establishments must display their name in Tamil under the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947 and its rules, with Tamil on top and most prominent.
What is the 5:3:2 rule?
It is the common guideline for letter size: Tamil 5 parts, English 3 parts and any other language 2 parts, so Tamil is always the largest.
What is the fine for not having a Tamil board?
Greater Chennai Corporation fined non-compliant shops Rs.2,000 in its 2025 drive, and licences can face action under local body rules.
Related reading
- Marathi Signboard Rule in Maharashtra
- Kannada Signboard 60% Rule in Karnataka
- Is a Registered Office Signboard Mandatory?
Visit https://rubberstampwala.in
This article is for general awareness and is not legal advice. Rules and enforcement can change, so please confirm current requirements with your local authority or a professional.