Madras HC Orders SOPs for Political Rallies After Karur Tragedy

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to frame and publish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within 10 days for granting permission to political rallies across the state. The court’s move comes just a month after the Karur stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s rally, which left 41 people dead, including women and children, and sent shockwaves across the nation.

During the hearing of several petitions, now converted into public interest litigations, the Bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan stressed the urgent need for clear, transparent, and uniform rules governing political rallies in Tamil Nadu. The judges stated that all political parties and organizations could submit their suggestions before the final SOPs are implemented. The case has been adjourned to November 11, giving the state a short window to act.

The Madras High Court made strong observations about the state’s existing approval process, questioning how any political group could comply with “25 strict conditions” imposed at short notice. The court asked whether such restrictions were being selectively applied to certain political parties, suggesting that fairness and consistency were vital in maintaining public trust.

In response, the Tamil Nadu government informed the court that draft SOPs were already being prepared. Officials explained that future political rallies would only be allowed in designated zones to prevent traffic jams and inconvenience to the public. The state also said permissions would be conditional on organizers ensuring essential facilities like drinking water, restrooms, and safety barriers. Until the new rules come into effect, interim conditions will continue to apply.

Representatives of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) argued that while they supported the creation of SOPs, the police must also be directed to issue permissions promptly. The TVK counsel said that delayed approvals—often given just days before the rally—made it nearly impossible to prepare adequately. The party also alleged that these restrictions were being used to target specific political movements unfairly.

The Madras High Court assured that the upcoming SOPs for political rallies would set clear timelines for permission and ensure accountability. The state, on its part, confirmed that there was no fixed statutory timeframe currently but promised that the new system would eliminate ambiguity and bias.

Meanwhile, TVK Chief Vijay met the families of the Karur stampede victims at a hotel in Mamallapuram on Monday. The actor-turned-politician offered his condolences and assured the bereaved families of continued financial and emotional support. His visit added a personal, emotional layer to the ongoing legal and political fallout.

The Karur rally tragedy continues to haunt the state’s political landscape. While the police and the ruling DMK have blamed Vijay’s alleged delay and deviation from route permissions for the chaos, the TVK maintains that the tragedy resulted from administrative failure and a possible political conspiracy. The matter is currently under a CBI probe, monitored by the Supreme Court of India.

This case could redefine how political rallies in Tamil Nadu are organized, bringing long-awaited safety, accountability, and order to mass gatherings that have too often ended in chaos and tragedy.