Madras High Court Approves RSS Marches on October 25 and November 1
The Madras High Court has authorized the RSS to hold marches in Tamil Nadu, criticizing police for previous denials.
Madras High Court permits RSS marches on October 25 and November 1.
Court criticizes Tamil Nadu Police for consistently denying permissions.
RSS to coordinate with police to finalize march details by October 19.
On Friday, the Madras High Court granted permission for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to conduct route marches across Tamil Nadu on October 25 and November 1. This decision came after the court criticized the Tamil Nadu Police for their repeated refusals to allow these processions, citing unsubstantiated reasons. Justice V Lakshminarayanan remarked that the police had failed to provide any new justifications for their rejections, which the court had previously deemed inadequate.
The case originated from an application submitted by the RSS State Secretary on October 3, requesting permission for marches and public meetings as part of the Vijayadashami celebrations. The RSS had suggested multiple dates for the events, including October 18, October 25, and November 1. However, the police denied these requests, citing concerns over the proximity of places of worship from other communities, traffic issues, and potential law and order disturbances.
Justice Lakshminarayanan referred to earlier court decisions that recognized the RSS's right to hold such marches, emphasizing that public roads are secular spaces accessible to all. The court expressed frustration at the police's lack of innovative reasoning in their denials, stating that the police should focus on processing applications rather than seeking grounds for rejection. The court also directed the police to work collaboratively with RSS organizers to finalize the details of the marches by October 19.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond the immediate events, as it reinforces the principle that public spaces must remain accessible to all groups, irrespective of their religious affiliations. The court's decision is likely to impact how similar applications are handled in the future, potentially leading to a more open environment for public demonstrations in Tamil Nadu.
Looking ahead, the RSS is expected to finalize the logistics of the marches in coordination with local police authorities. The court's directive aims to prevent further disputes and ensure that the events proceed smoothly. The RSS has committed to adhering to conditions set forth in prior judicial proceedings, signaling a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement in the organization of these public events.
