R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, NOV 21
In a significant move prompted by the Karur tragedy that claimed 41 lives during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in September, the Tamil Nadu government on Friday submitted a comprehensive set of draft guidelines for political roadshows and public events to the Madras High Court.
The draft norms, applicable to political events drawing over 5,000 attendees, place primary responsibility for public safety on organisers and political parties. Religious gatherings at places of worship have been exempted.
- New rules fix accountability on organisers; mandate prior clearances & crowd-capacity certification
- Guidelines apply to political events exceeding 5,000 participants; religious gatherings exempted
- Collectors, police to vet venues; 30-day notice for mega rallies, 10-day norm for highways
- Parties react sharply as HC sets next hearing for November 27
According to the draft, district collectors must convene meetings with recognised political parties to identify and approve suitable venues for public meetings, processions, agitations and roadshows, in consultation with the police. The Public Works Department (PWD) will conduct site visits and certify the maximum crowd capacity. Organisers must then apply to PWD and other relevant departments for permissions.
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Events planned along national and state highways will require approvals at least 10 days in advance. Applications must detail the event’s purpose, timing, expected attendance, number of vehicles, and names of prominent leaders participating. For roadshows, the arrival and departure schedule of chief guests must be furnished. The draft also mandates strict adherence to allotted time slots.
To prevent overcrowding and stampedes, the guidelines state that the public must not be allowed to gather at a venue more than two hours before the event. For large-scale events such as party conferences expecting over 50,000 participants, organisers must seek permission at least 30 days prior. In cases of sudden agitations, the district collector will take the final call, while in Chennai the police commissioner has been vested with that authority.
The government clarified that during elections, guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India will override the proposed norms. The High Court scheduled the next hearing for November 27.
The guidelines were drafted following the September catastrophe at actor Vijay’s TVK event in Karur, where 41 people lost their lives and more than 50 sustained injuries. The High Court had subsequently instructed the state government to frame safety protocols for political gatherings.
POLITICAL REACTIONS
TVK Response
A senior TVK functionary said the guidelines were “long overdue” but stressed that they “should not be used to selectively target emerging political forces.” He noted that the Karur incident had deeply shaken the party and that “clear, science-based crowd management norms will help prevent future tragedies.”
AIADMK Reaction
AIADMK leaders welcomed the guidelines but accused the DMK government of “delayed action under judicial pressure.” A spokesperson said, “Had the government acted earlier, lives could have been saved. Still, we support any measure that ensures public safety.”
DMK’s Stand
DMK sources insisted the drafting exercise was comprehensive and professional. “This is about safety, not politics,” a senior leader said, adding that the government would fully comply with the High Court’s directions.
BJP View
Tamil Nadu BJP leaders said the guidelines must be implemented “without bias.” A state office-bearer noted, “Political events, especially those addressed by national leaders, draw huge crowds. A transparent and uniform approval process is essential.”
