Chennai, June 4:
The Madras High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against 15 RSS members, holding that their assembly was only for celebrating Vijayadasami and the organisation’s 100th year, and that unlawful assembly by itself would not constitute an offence.
Justice Nirmal Kumar observed that the allegations in the final report were general in nature and did not specify individual acts that would attract criminal provisions. The court noted that no member of the public was affected and that the gathering did not result in any demonstrable disturbance.
The petitioners, including V Jayapal, A Amulraj, and 13 others from Tirupathur district, had challenged the proceedings arising from an incident on October 2, 2025, when they allegedly assembled without prior permission carrying RSS flags during celebrations. The Village Administrative Officer had filed a complaint alleging obstruction to public movement and traffic after the group failed to disperse.
A chargesheet had been filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 1989(3), 223, 126(2), and 293. However, the petitioners argued that the gathering was small, peaceful, and did not cause any disruption, while also pointing out the quick filing of the final report.
The State had contended that the assembly caused public inconvenience and disrupted transport. However, the court held that the participants were exercising their constitutional rights and that no complaint had been made by any affected member of the public.
Accordingly, the court allowed the petitions and quashed the proceedings pending before the Additional District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate, Ambur, in Tirupathur district.