Court Review Continues After Tamil Nadu govt submits draft SOP for political meetings to Madras HC

The Tamil Nadu government has submitted a draft SOP for political meetings to the Madras High Court, highlighting rules for rallies and large gatherings across the state. The draft standard operating procedure was presented as part of ongoing proceedings aimed at creating a clear framework for organizing political events. The SOP seeks to regulate how parties conduct meetings while ensuring public safety and compliance with administrative protocols.

During the hearing, Additional Advocate General J. Ravindran stated that the draft was prepared after considering suggestions and objections from various political parties. It covers multiple aspects of holding political meetings, including permissions, safety measures, and responsibilities of the organizers. The High Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, emphasized the importance of transparency in implementing the procedures outlined in the draft.

New SOP Guidelines Bring Clarity on Political Meetings in Tamil Nadu

The court asked that a copy of the draft SOP be shared with the petitioner, TVK, and impleaded parties such as AIADMK and Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi. This step ensures that all concerned parties can provide their feedback before the final version is approved. Although the Additional Advocate General expressed reluctance to share the draft with unrecognized political parties such as TVK, the court maintained that transparency must be upheld in the review process.

The draft SOP reportedly places responsibilities mainly on political parties rather than government authorities. However, the court noted the importance of creating a balanced approach where administrative authorities also have clear roles, especially in granting permissions and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Advocates appearing for various parties highlighted the need for clear and uniform guidelines to avoid confusion during election periods or other high-activity times.

One of the key suggestions made during the hearing was the creation of a digital platform to track applications for permission to hold political meetings. By publishing details of applications and official decisions on a dedicated website, authorities could ensure transparency and public accountability. This measure would allow political parties to follow the progress of their requests and help prevent delays or misunderstandings.

 Court Review Continues After Submission of Draft SOP

Officials also pointed out the importance of planning for crowd control and public safety. Large gatherings, particularly in urban areas, require proper coordination with police and local administration. The SOP seeks to standardize these processes to prevent last-minute conflicts and ensure smooth conduct of events. While the draft places primary obligations on the parties organizing the events, it also provides guidance on administrative monitoring.

Political analysts suggest that finalizing the SOP is timely, given the increased political activity in Tamil Nadu and the need for uniform procedures. Clear SOPs can help avoid disputes between political parties and authorities while safeguarding the rights of citizens and organizers alike. The process is expected to improve planning and coordination for rallies, thereby reducing the risk of public inconvenience or safety issues.

The court has adjourned the matter to the next week to take a final decision on the SOP after reviewing all submissions. This includes suggestions from recognized and unrecognized parties, ensuring that the final framework addresses concerns raised by various stakeholders. Legal experts believe that a finalized SOP will bring clarity and consistency to political event management in the state.

With Tamil Nadu govt submits draft SOP for political meetings to Madras HC, the emphasis is on structured governance while balancing political freedoms and administrative responsibilities. The initiative reflects an effort to maintain public order and transparency without impeding the democratic right to organize political gatherings. Once implemented, the SOP will act as a reference point for all political parties and authorities, standardizing how meetings are organized across the state. Also Read: Tamil Nadu govt submits draft SOP for political meetings to Madras HC

In conclusion, the submission of the draft SOP marks a significant step toward formalizing procedures for political events in Tamil Nadu. The court’s review process will ensure that the guidelines are clear, fair, and enforceable, helping both authorities and political parties navigate the complexities of organizing large gatherings.