Madras HC questions denial of permission for RSS route march in Tamil Nadu
The court says repeated rejection of procession requests forces organisations to approach courts; directs RSS counsel and State prosecutor to find a solution
The Madras High Court on Wednesday (October 14) questioned the Tamil Nadu government’s repeated denial of permission for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) route marches, asking why the organisation was being denied permission in the state when it could hold marches even in “terrorist-infested” places such as Jammu and Kashmir.
Justice V Lakshminarayanan observed that successive governments had denied permission to the RSS, forcing it to approach the court. He also criticised the current government for allegedly denying permission for almost every procession, including those organised by the Dravidar Kazhagam, saying the state appeared to view citizens as enemies when they sought to hold protests.
The oral remarks came during the hearing of a petition filed by RSS member VG Jagadeesan, seeking police permission to conduct route marches on October 18, October 25, November 1, or another suitable date, followed by a public meeting.
State cites venue restrictions
Senior advocate NL Rajah, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the RSS was repeatedly forced to approach the court to celebrate its foundation day, which coincides with Vijayadashami. He said the police rejected applications citing potential law-and-order problems.
“What about the smaller parties which do not have the wherewithal to come to court?” Rajah asked, highlighting the difficulties faced by organisations unable to pursue litigation.
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He argued that procedural guidelines for processions should not be treated as inflexible statutory requirements and that police should seek clarifications from organisers rather than reject applications outright. He also objected to rejection orders referring to mosques along proposed routes, arguing that such reasoning undermined communal harmony.
The court indicated that the presence of places of worship along a procession route should not, by itself, constitute grounds for denying permission.
Advocate General Vijaya Narayan submitted that permission had been denied because the proposed public meeting venue was not a notified site for such gatherings.
Matter posted for Oct 15
The court directed the petitioner’s counsel and other lawyers to meet State Public Prosecutor John Sathyan and attempt to resolve the objections. It asked the state to submit a report on facilitating a peaceful procession and posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday (October 15).
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The court had previously issued detailed guidelines for RSS route marches. However, the organisation was again denied permission in 2024, prompting fresh litigation. While allowing a march then, the court had said police could not evade their responsibility to protect organisers and the public by citing law-and-order concerns.