The Madras High Court today ordered the Tamil Nadu government to create and publish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within 10 days for granting permission to political parties and organisations to hold public rallies across the state. This decision gives the government extra time to finalise the rules.
Madras High Court order Tamil Nadu to Draft SOP
During the hearing of several petitions, which have now become public interest litigations, the Bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan postponed the matter to November 11. The court noted that all parties, including political groups, should submit their suggestions to the government before finalising the SOPs.
This directive follows a tragic stampede at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur last month, which resulted in 41 deaths, including women and children. The petitions filed due to widespread concerns over safety issues, poor crowd control, and delays in police permissions for political events.
Tamil Nadu Govt express cooperation lack
In its response, the Tamil Nadu government told the Madras High Court that draft guidelines already prepared, but mentioned a lack of cooperation from some parties in finalising them. The government also said that permissions for rallies will limited to designated locations to reduce public inconvenience and traffic disruptions.
It added that permissions would only granted if organisers ensured basic amenities like drinking water and toilets. No meetings allowed on national highways. The government noted that until the new SOPs are implemented.
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