The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to prepare a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the regulation of political meetings, public rallies, and roadshows within ten days. The directive came in response to petitions filed following a tragic stampede at a political event in Karur district that resulted in several fatalities. The Court underscored the urgent need for a uniform and transparent policy to ensure public safety and orderly conduct of political gatherings across the state.
A division bench comprising the Chief Justice and another judge noted that while the right to assemble peacefully and hold political meetings is constitutionally protected, this right must be exercised in a manner that does not compromise public order or safety. The Court stressed that it was the government’s duty to establish a structured regulatory framework to prevent such tragedies from recurring. To ensure inclusiveness in policymaking, the bench also directed that recognized political parties be invited to submit their suggestions and feedback on the proposed SOP before it is finalized.
During the proceedings, the State government submitted that consultations with relevant departments, including the police, fire and rescue services, and local administrative bodies, were already underway. It requested time to draft a set of clear and implementable guidelines that would specify procedures for seeking permissions, determining venue suitability, managing crowd control, and coordinating with emergency services. The Court accepted the request but emphasized that the process should not be delayed and must culminate in a functional SOP within the stipulated time frame.
The bench further clarified that, pending the formulation of the SOP, authorities should continue processing applications for political meetings, especially those proposed to be held in open grounds or other public spaces that do not pose an immediate risk to traffic or safety. The Court insisted that political activity could not be completely halted while the new framework was under preparation, provided that adequate precautions and police supervision were ensured.
This directive marks a crucial development in balancing democratic freedoms with public safety concerns. By seeking input from all political parties, the High Court has promoted a collaborative approach to policymaking. The proposed SOP, once finalized, is expected to bring uniformity, accountability, and procedural clarity to the conduct of political events in Tamil Nadu, thereby preventing administrative arbitrariness and enhancing the overall safety of public gatherings in the state.
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