Post by : Rameen Ariff

The Madras High Court has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to prepare and publish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within 10 days for granting permissions to political rallies statewide. The directive follows the Karur stampede at a TVK chief's event last month that claimed 41 lives, including women and children.

Hearing multiple petitions converted into public interest litigations, a Bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava along with Justice G Arul Murugan underlined the necessity of clear, transparent and uniform guidelines for political gatherings. The judges invited submissions from all political parties and organisations before finalising the SOPs and listed the matter for further hearing on November 11.

The court raised concerns about the present approval mechanism, asking how any organisation could comply with the so-called "25 strict conditions" imposed at very short notice. The Bench queried whether such requirements were being enforced uniformly or applied selectively to certain groups, stressing that equal treatment is essential for public confidence.

The state informed the court that a draft of the SOPs is already in preparation. Officials said future rallies would be allowed only in designated zones to minimise traffic disruption and inconvenience to residents. Permissions, they added, would be contingent on organisers arranging basic amenities such as drinking water, sanitation facilities and safety barriers. Interim conditions will remain effective until the formal SOPs take effect.

Lawyers for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) welcomed the move to codify rules but pressed for firm directions to ensure timely issuance of police permissions. TVK counsel argued that last-minute approvals, often given just days before events, prevent adequate planning and preparation, and alleged that the constraints are sometimes used to target specific political outfits.

The High Court indicated that the forthcoming SOPs should set clear timelines for permission processing and establish accountability mechanisms. The state conceded that there is currently no statutory timeframe for such approvals and assured the court that the new system will aim to remove ambiguity and arbitrary practices.

Separately, TVK chief Vijay visited the families of the Karur victims in Mamallapuram, offering condolences and pledging continued financial and emotional support. His meeting added a personal note to the legal and administrative proceedings surrounding the tragedy.

The incident has intensified political dispute: police and the ruling DMK fault Vijay for alleged deviations from approved routes and delayed movement, while TVK insists the calamity stemmed from administrative lapses and possibly a political design. A CBI inquiry into the Karur episode is underway under the supervision of the Supreme Court of India.

Observers say the litigation and the court's instructions could prompt a fundamental overhaul in how large political gatherings are authorised and managed in Tamil Nadu, introducing clearer safety protocols and stronger accountability for organisers and authorities alike.

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