TN Government Ordered to Finalize Rally SOPs by Jan 5 Amid Ongoing Debate

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The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to finalize its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for regulating large political gatherings by January 5, 2026. The court's order comes amid ongoing debates and objections from various political parties, including the AIADMK and TVK, regarding the draft SOP. In the aftermath of a stampede that claimed 41 lives during a rally in Karur on September 27, the high court had questioned the absence of a uniform regulatory framework for political rallies and roadshows in the state. The court had subsequently asked the government to prepare a draft SOP, which was submitted to the court. However, several political parties have raised objections to the draft SOP, citing concerns over discretionary policing, procedural delays, and the uniform application of regulations to both religious and political events. The AIADMK had argued that the SOP should apply uniformly to all events, while TVK and Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi had expressed concerns over the discretionary powers of the police. The high court, while declining to interfere with the draft SOP, has directed the government to consider all suggestions and objections and notify the SOPs by January 5. The court has also emphasized the need for the government to take a 'final call' on the objections and modifications suggested by the political parties. The government had initially assured the court that it would not grant permission for any political party's public meetings until it framed an SOP. The proposed framework had sought to fix accountability on organizers and introduce penalties for violations of police-imposed conditions. The state had also informed the court that district collectors will be empowered to initiate proceedings to recover damages to public and private property based on post-event reports submitted by the police. The high court's order is seen as a significant development in the ongoing efforts to regulate large political gatherings in Tamil Nadu, which has been a concern for the state government and the public alike.