The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) within ten days for granting permission to political meetings and public gatherings across the state. The directive came during a hearing on petitions related to the tragic Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives during a rally organised by actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The court emphasized the urgent need for structured protocols to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of citizens attending large political events.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan stated that permissions for political meetings must be processed well in advance. The bench observed that granting permissions at the last minute leads to inadequate preparation, poor crowd management, and safety lapses. It underlined that organisers should be given sufficient time to coordinate with local authorities, mobilise necessary resources, and comply with prescribed safety regulations. “All this is intended to take care of public safety and law and order. Come out with an SOP, otherwise we will issue directions,” Chief Justice Shrivastava warned, addressing Additional Advocate General J Ravindran.
The bench further clarified that the ongoing case should not be considered an obstacle for processing new applications for political meetings. However, it added that exceptions could be made if the proposed venue is located on state or national highways, where large gatherings could disrupt traffic and public movement. The court also invited political parties, including the AIADMK, to submit their inputs and suggestions on the proposed SOP by November 11, ensuring that the framework is comprehensive and practical for all political stakeholders.
During the hearing, the bench also addressed a petition filed by BJP councillor Uma Anandan, who had sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Karur stampede. The court disposed of the petition, noting that the Supreme Court has already issued directions on the matter, making further intervention unnecessary. It reiterated that the focus should now be on preventive mechanisms to avoid recurrence of such tragedies in the future.
The Karur stampede took place on September 27 during a distribution event organised by the TVK in connection with actor Vijay’s political outreach programme. The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout, and due to poor crowd control and inadequate exit arrangements, panic ensued, leading to the loss of 41 lives and injuries to over 60 others. The disaster exposed significant lapses in planning, coordination, and administrative oversight, triggering public outrage and legal scrutiny.
The High Court’s directive marks a significant step toward institutionalising safety measures for large-scale political and social gatherings in Tamil Nadu. By mandating an SOP, the court aims to ensure that organisers, law enforcement, and local authorities adhere to a uniform protocol that prioritises crowd management, emergency preparedness, and accountability. The move also reflects growing judicial concern over recurring incidents of mismanagement at mass events and the need for systematic governance to safeguard public life.
