Madras HC Questions TN Govt. Over Repeated Denial of RSS Route March Permission
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Chennai, October 14: The Madras High Court on Wednesday questioned why the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was repeatedly being denied permission to conduct route marches in Tamil Nadu, pointing out that the organisation had been allowed to hold marches even in places such as Jammu and Kashmir, which the court described as terrorist-infested.
The court had also expected the police to comply with its directions in the future instead of troubling the judiciary with what it described as new and fanciful reasons for rejecting applications.
“If they (RSS) are able to have a march in a terrorist infested place like Jammu and Kashmir, why is the Tamil Nadu police denying permission to them every year?” Justice V. Lakshminarayanan orally remarked during the hearing of a petition filed by RSS member V. G. Jagadeesan, Tamil Nadu office bearer of RSS.
The judge also criticised the State government for allegedly denying permission for processions organised by different groups, including the Dravidar Kazhagam and the RSS, forcing them to approach the court. “This government is against any procession. They're denying permission for Dravidar Kazhagam and for RSS,” the court observed.
The court further remarked that the State appeared to be treating citizens as enemies and rejecting requests for public demonstrations regardless of which government was in power. “The government is seeing citizens as enemies. Whichever government is coming up, they're rejecting,” the judge said.
The petition was filed by V. G. Jagadeesan, seeking directions to the police to consider his representation and permit the RSS to conduct route marches on October 18, October 25, November 1, or any other suitable dates. The proposed march would feature participants wearing the organisation's uniform, accompanied by a musical band, followed by a public meeting.
Senior Advocate N. L. Rajah, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the organisation was repeatedly denied permission every year and consequently forced to approach the court. He said the RSS wanted to celebrate its foundation day, which coincides with Vijayadashami, through a route march.
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They argue for right to protest in Delhi, deny it in Cong-TVK run TN!
"IF THEY CAN IN TERROR INFESTED J&K, THEN WHY NOT IN TN?"
While hearing a plea against the denial of permission for RSS route march, Madras High Court said: If RSS can take out route…
Rajah argued that the police rejected applications citing potential law and order problems. He also questioned the difficulties faced by smaller organisations that lack the resources to pursue litigation.
“An organisation like the RSS is able to come to court and seek permission. But what about the smaller parties? he asked.
Advocate General Vijaya Narayan submitted that permission was denied because the proposed route march and public meeting were planned at a location that had not been notified as a venue for public meetings.
The court directed five representatives from the petitioner's side to meet State Public Prosecutor John Sathyan and work towards a peaceful resolution. The matter was adjourned to Thursday, with the State directed to submit a report on permitting a peaceful procession.
The High Court had previously issued detailed guidelines for RSS route marches. However, the State denied permission again in 2024, prompting another round of litigation.
While allowing the march on that occasion, the court had said the police were responsible for protecting both the public and organisers and could not avoid granting permission merely by citing law and order concerns.