CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday directed the Tamil Nadu government to finalise the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for political party meetings and roadshows by January 5.
Following the September 27 stampede in Karur that claimed 41 lives during a roadshow organised by actor Vijay's TVK party, public interest litigations were filed before the Madras High Court by A Thirukumaran of Thoothukudi district, SMA Pon Gandhimathinathan of Pudukkottai, and R Prakash of Thanjavur, seeking directions to frame guidelines for political party roadshows, public meetings, processions and similar events.
Along with these petitions, a case already filed by the TVK and intervention petitions filed by political parties, including the AIADMK and the Desiya Makkal Sakthi Party, were also taken up for hearing.
During the previous hearing of these cases, the Tamil Nadu government had submitted draft guidelines. Around the same time, the AIADMK, the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, and the Desiya Makal Sakthi Katchi submitted their suggestions.
Additional Advocate General J Ravindran appearing for the state, stated that the suggestion given by the political parties would be considered.
Following this, the bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan delivered its verdict on Friday.
In its order, the bench said, "Having gone through the affidavit filed by the State, the draft SOP and the suggestions or objections which were placed before this court, and after pondering upon the submissions of counsel for the respective parties, we are of the view that the State should take a decision, one way or the other, on the suggestions/ objections submitted before this court in writing, after affidavit was filed by the state government."
The bench said a decision on the suggestions/objections/views/inputs shall be taken by the Tamil Nadu government, and the finalised Standard Operating Procedure shall be notified as early as possible and in any case not later than January 5, 2026.
The bench further said, "If all the grievances, or any part thereof, remain unredressed and if any party was aggrieved by any condition imposed, it will be open for it to take appropriate remedy as may be available under the law."