The Sheriff of Madras was an apolitical titular position of authority bestowed for one year on a prominent citizen of Madras.
As the executive arm of the Jurisdiction the sheriff was sworn in for a period of one year to carry out such duties as the summoning of people to the High Court, the provision of jurors, the attaching and sealing of properties and, if required, the arranging of their auction.
The sheriff had an office and staff and in the order of precedence ranked just below the mayor.
From the mid-1800s the position lost its powers and responsibilities and became primarily ceremonial.
[1] Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta) continue (2017) to maintain their similar posts.