The Madras High Court on Tuesday gave the Tamil Nadu government time till November 20 to submit its final draft of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for regulating political rallies and public meetings across the state.
A first bench of Chief Justice M.M. Srivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan was hearing a batch of petitions filed after the September 27 stampede in Karur, which claimed 41 lives during a rally organised by actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam.
During the hearing, Additional Advocate General (AAG) J. Ravindran informed the bench that an all-party meeting was held on November 6, attended by 20 recognised political parties. The draft SOP was circulated to them for feedback. He added that the draft was also sent to 40 registered political parties, and suggestions were invited until November 10. While some parties have responded, others are yet to send their views.
At this stage, the bench remarked that the state government “need not wait further for their replies” and could proceed to finalise the document. The bench also emphasised that political parties must apply for permission to hold meetings or rallies well in advance, and authorities should respond at least five days before the scheduled events.
The Chief Justice observed that the purpose of framing the SOP is not to curb political activity but to prevent tragedies such as the Karur stampede. “The SOP is to ensure that whenever political parties and other organisations conduct rallies or meetings, stampedes do not happen,” the bench noted.
The court also allowed the AIADMK and Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi to implead themselves in the case.
Request for More Time Rejected
AAG Ravindran sought an extension of one month to finalise the SOP. However, advocate A.P. Suryaprakasam, representing Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi, opposed the plea, arguing that granting a month’s time would be excessive given the upcoming assembly elections in April 2026.
The bench eventually allowed only ten days, directing the government to file the final draft SOP by November 20. The matter has been posted for further hearing on November 21.
