TN Govt Unveils Strict Guidelines to Regulate Public Gatherings After Karur Tragedy
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In a bid to prevent similar tragedies, the Tamil Nadu government has submitted a final draft of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for regulating public gatherings in the state. The 46-page document outlines 16 key terms and conditions that event organizers must follow. The SOP was submitted to the Madras High Court in response to a petition filed by actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam and other parties following the September 27 Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. According to the SOP, organizers must adhere to specified time durations, crowd sizes, and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. Event organizers will also be responsible for crowd safety, structural safety of temporary structures, and ensuring free passage for emergency vehicles. The guidelines also specify that not more than half of a road can be occupied by a procession, leaving space for general traffic. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 27, with the petitioner and impleading petitioners set to receive a copy of the SOP. The Tamil Nadu government's move aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety at events, including roadshows, processions, and large-scale gatherings. With these strict guidelines in place, the state government hopes to minimize the risk of similar tragedies in the future.
