The Municipality was constituted in the year 1928 and was subsequently upgraded as Selection Grade Municipality from 14-12-1988.

                        It has a population of 86,422 (2001 census) and an extent of 13.75 Sq. Km.,  The town is divided into 36 wards.  

                        The Municipal Council comprising of 36 ward councillors  is headed by Chairman, who is elected by the councillors. The councillors also elect a Vice-Chairman among them.

                        The executive wing is headed by a Commissioner and he is assisted by a team of officials like Health Officer, Municipal Engineer,  Town Planning Officer, Manager, Revenue Inspector  and other officers.

                         Karaikudi has been declared as “Heritage town”.  The Sambai Oothu is a gift to the Municipality which gives plenty of water to this town.  Karaikudi is also an educational town.

The Municipality provides the following major services

1)     Water Supply

2)     Waste Management

3)     Roads

4)     Drains

5)     Street Lights

6)     Public Conveniences

The Municipality also enforces and regulates the following activities

1)     Tax administrations.

2)     Planning and Building permission.

3)     Trade and other licenses.

4)     Registration of Birth and Deaths.

Revenue Villages

1.    Kalanivasal
2.    Sekkalai Kottai
3.    Eluppakudi Area
4.    Ariyakudi Area
5.    Senjai-630 002