Madras High Court Allows RSS Workers' Plea To Conduct Route March On October 2

The bench of Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan directed the authorities to grant permission before the 28th of September. Detailed order is awaited.

The members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had moved the Madras High Court seeking permission to conduct a procession (Route March) wearing their uniform and led by a musical band on 2nd October 2022 and conduct a public meeting thereafter.

When the matter was heard today, the members of the RSS submitted that every citizen of the country has a right to lawful assembly with reasonable restrictions. It was also submitted that the RSS was not a banned organisation.

The petitioners also submitted that the purpose of the event was only to promote social and communal harmony. Further, it was submitted that no arms would be carried by the participants. It was also contended that though other states and Union Territory of Puducherry had already granted permission, in Tamil Nadu their representation was put in cold storage.

The respondent-State on the other hand submitted that there was delay in considering the representation since the details of the places where the march was supposed to be conducted were not provided.

The court then directed the State to grant permission with reasonable restrictions.