Madras HC clears RSS marches, criticises Tamil Nadu police tactics

The court's order comes after the RSS challenged multiple rejections of its march applications by Tamil Nadu police. Justices hearing the case expressed concern over what they characterised as a pattern of denial based on reasoning that courts had already found insufficient or legally invalid.

The bench noted that police had used grounds for rejection that contradicted earlier judicial pronouncements on such matters. The court observed that while authorities possess discretion in managing public gatherings, this power must be exercised in accordance with established legal precedent and cannot be wielded arbitrarily.

The Madras High Court directed that the RSS be permitted to proceed with its proposed marches on the specified dates, subject to compliance with standard conditions governing such public assemblies. These typically include coordination with local police, adherence to designated routes, and maintenance of public order.

The judgment underscores ongoing tensions between civil liberties and administrative control over public demonstrations in Tamil Nadu. The court's intervention reflects judicial scrutiny of whether state machinery is applying consistent standards in evaluating applications for public processions across different organisations and political groups.