Madras HC questions Tamil Nadu police over repeated denial of RSS route marches

The Madras High Court on Wednesday, October 14, questioned why Tamil Nadu police repeatedly denied the RSS permission for route marches despite earlier court directions. Justice V Lakshminarayanan asked why the organisation could hold marches in Jammu and Kashmir but faced repeated restrictions in Tamil Nadu.

“If they (RSS) can have a march in a terrorist infested place like Jammu and Kashmir, why is the Tamil Nadu police denying permission to them every year?” the court asked, according to LiveLaw.

The report said that the judge also criticised the state government for denying permission for processions organised by both the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), forcing them to approach the court.

“This government is against any procession. They're denying permission for Dravidar Kazhagam and for RSS,” the court remarked. It also said the government appeared to be treating citizens as enemies by refusing permission for protests.

“The government is seeing citizens as enemies. Whichever government is coming up, they're rejecting,” the judge said.

The remarks came during the hearing of a petition filed by RSS member VG Jagadeesan, who sought permission for route marches on October 18, October 25, November 1, or other dates. The proposed marches would feature members in uniform, accompanied by a musical band, followed by public meetings.

Senior advocate NL Rajah, appearing for Jagadeesan, told the court that the RSS was repeatedly denied permission and had to approach the judiciary every year. He said the organisation wanted to conduct the march to mark its foundation day, which coincides with Vijayadashami, but police rejected its applications citing possible law and order problems.

Rajah also questioned the impact of the repeated denials on smaller organisations that could not afford to approach the court. “An organisation like the RSS is able to come to court and seek permission. But what about the smaller parties which do not have the wherewithal to come to court?” he asked.

Advocate General Vijaya Narayan, appearing for the state, told the court that permission had been denied because the proposed public meetings were to be held at locations not designated for such gatherings.

The court directed five representatives of the petitioners to meet State Public Prosecutor John Sathyan to discuss arrangements for conducting the marches peacefully. It adjourned the hearing to Thursday and asked the state 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 for marches in 2024, prompting the organisation to approach the court again.

In October 2024, while allowing the proposed marches, the court had said police were responsible for protecting both the public and organisers and could not reject applications merely by citing law and order concerns. It also urged the authorities to follow its guidelines instead of forcing organisers to return to court over what it described as new and fanciful reasons for denying permission.