Madras High Court Directs Tamil Nadu to Publish Rally SOPs Within Ten Days

Post by : Raina Nasser

The Madras High Court has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to prepare and issue Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within ten days governing the grant of permissions for political rallies across the state. The directive follows the Karur stampede at a rally organised by TVK chief Vijay that resulted in 41 fatalities, including women and children, and prompted nationwide concern.

Hearing multiple petitions that have been converted into public interest litigations, a Bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava alongside Justice G Arul Murugan emphasised the need for uniform, transparent and practicable rules for public gatherings. The court permitted political parties and organisations to submit recommendations before finalisation and has listed the matter for further hearing on November 11.

The judges criticised the existing permissions regime, questioning how political groups could comply with “25 strict conditions” imposed at short notice and whether those conditions were being applied uniformly. The Bench stressed that equal treatment and procedural clarity are essential to maintain public confidence.

Counsel for the state informed the court that draft SOPs are being prepared. Officials indicated future rallies would be confined to designated zones to reduce traffic disruption and public inconvenience, and that grants of permission would be contingent on organisers providing basic amenities such as drinking water, sanitation and safety barriers. Interim conditions will remain until the new framework is formally adopted.

Representatives of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) welcomed the SOP initiative but urged clear directions for prompt police permissions. TVK lawyers argued that last-minute approvals—often issued only days before events—hamper adequate planning and alleged selective restrictions against certain political movements.

The High Court said the forthcoming SOPs should include defined timelines for permission decisions and mechanisms to ensure accountability. The state acknowledged there is currently no statutory deadline for approvals and pledged that the new system will remove ambiguity and reduce scope for bias.

Separately, TVK chief Vijay visited relatives of the Karur victims in Mamallapuram, offering condolences and promising ongoing financial and emotional support, an act that added a personal dimension to the legal and political developments.

The Karur incident continues to shape the state’s political discourse. While police and the ruling DMK attribute the chaos to Vijay’s alleged delay and deviation from the authorised route, the TVK maintains the catastrophe arose from administrative lapses and possibly politically motivated obstruction. A CBI investigation is under way, subject to oversight by the Supreme Court of India.

Legal observers say this case could establish new standards for organising mass political events in Tamil Nadu, potentially introducing stronger safety protocols, clearer lines of responsibility and greater regulatory consistency.