The order follows petitions filed after a tragic stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, which claimed 41 lives due to overcrowding. A preliminary draft was submitted after discussions with parties including AIADMK and TVK, who raised objections over restrictions they said curtailed democratic rights.
A bench led by Chief Justice M.M. Sreevatsava and Justice G. Arul Murugan emphasized swift finalization of the standard operating procedures (SOPs). The guidelines will ensure public safety at events expecting large crowds, placing primary responsibility on organizing parties. Parties can challenge provisions through fresh petitions once the SOPs are published.
Draft SOPs already include rules for venues accommodating over 5,000 attendees, requiring advance applications, crowd capacity certifications, and time limits to prevent early gatherings. Large-scale events with over 50,000 participants will need 30 days’ notice, while sudden protests will be regulated by district collectors. Election Commission rules will apply during polls.