Draft SOP for rallies sets tough terms

The state government has prepared a draft Standard Operating Procedure for political rallies and public meetings following directives from the Madras High Court in the wake of a crowd disaster in Karur.

- HD Bureau

According to the draft, political parties must notify the government at least ten days before any rally or public meeting, and submit detailed particulars of the event including expected crowd size, roadshow routes, and timing of VIP arrival. The move comes after a stampede during a rally by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Karur on 27 September, which claimed 41 lives and left dozens injured.