The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu government to frame a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) within ten days for conducting public events, including roadshows and rallies, by political parties in the state.
The First Bench, comprising Chief Justice MM Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, issued the directive while hearing a batch of petitions seeking various reliefs filed in the wake of the September 27 Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives during a roadshow conducted by actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
When the case came up for hearing, Additional Advocate General (AAG) J Ravindran informed the Bench that no political party would be permitted to hold rallies or roadshows until the SOP was framed, though they would not be prevented from conducting public meetings.
When the Bench asked the AAG when the draft SOP would be ready, he submitted that the state government needed to consult various departments, including the police, fire department, and civic bodies, before framing it, and requested more time.
The Bench responded by stating that the state government must frame the SOP within ten days, or the court would proceed to pass its own orders.
The AIADMK sought permission to file an impleading petition in the case. The Bench adjourned the further hearing of the petitions until November 11. Earlier, the Bench dismissed "as withdrawn" the anticipatory bail petition filed by TVK’s general secretary, N Anand.
Also read: Madras HC recognises cryptocurrency as property under Indian law
Follow us
