The Madras High Court directed the State of Tamil Nadu to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure for political meetings and public gatherings by January 5, 2026. A Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice and another judge observed that a number of suggestions and objections had been placed before the Court in affidavits filed by the State and submissions made by parties interested in the issue. After reviewing the material submitted, the bench concluded that the State must take a definitive decision on the suggestions and objections and frame the SOP as early as possible, setting a deadline for completion by January 5. The Court emphasised that the matter required a clear resolution and that the State should decide on the suggestions that had been presented so that an applicable SOP for political meetings could be established.
This directive arises against the backdrop of concerns regarding the regulation and safety of large political gatherings following a tragic incident during a rally in Karur earlier in the year, where a stampede occurred. In related proceedings, the High Court had previously considered the need for guidelines and regulations governing public rallies, meetings, and processions to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety. In hearings connected to petitions filed after the Karur incident, the State had assured the Court that it would not grant permission for political gatherings on certain roadways until Standard Operating Procedures were finalised, and the Court’s direction to frame the SOP formalises that process and sets a clear timeline for completion.
The High Court’s order reflects judicial concern for maintaining public order and safety in connection with political meetings and recognises the need for a structured and comprehensive set of procedures that political parties and organisers must follow. By imposing a deadline for the State to adopt an SOP, the Court seeks to balance the constitutional right to political expression and assembly with the imperative of protecting citizens participating in and affected by large public events. The bench’s insistence on a clear decision taking into account objections and suggestions indicates the Court’s intent to ensure that the SOP not only provides regulatory clarity but also addresses concerns raised by various stakeholders about how political meetings and mass gatherings should be managed going forward.
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