The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday released a detailed set of guidelines for organising political party meetings, rallies and public gatherings, aiming to ensure public safety and effective crowd management. The guidelines were issued following directions from the Madras High Court in the wake of the recent stampede incident in Karur.As per the norms, organisers must obtain prior permission from the authorities well in advance. Applications should be submitted at least 10 days before the event, while programmes expecting large crowds of over 50,000 people must seek permission 30 days in advance. Any change in venue will require fresh approval.
The government has made it clear that the number of participants should not exceed the limit approved by authorities. If the crowd size crosses more than 50 per cent of the permitted strength, it will be treated as a serious violation and action may be initiated.
People should not be allowed to assemble more than two hours before the scheduled start of the event.
Organisers have been instructed to ensure adequate basic facilities. Drinking water must be provided in sufficient quantity, along with toilets at prescribed intervals. Ambulances, fire and police vehicles should have free and unhindered access to the venue at all times.
Temporary structures such as stages, barricades, tents and lighting systems must be certified as safe by authorised engineers.
Special arrangements should be made for senior citizens, children, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.
Volunteers must be deployed in adequate numbers to regulate crowd movement and prevent congestion. During roadshows and processions, at least one side of the road should be kept open for traffic.
The government has warned that violation of the guidelines could lead to cancellation of permission and legal action against organisers.
Officials said the objective of the new norms is to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the public during political events across the state.