[Accidents During Funeral Processions] DGP Informs Madras HC Of Preventive Steps Taken, Court Closes Suo Motu Plea

The bench of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy closed the suo moto writ petition after the Director General of Police informed it of the instructions given to all the SDOs and SHOs for preventing untoward incidents.

The court had taken suo motu cognizance based on a letter it had received from one Anbu Selval regarding an unfortunate incident that took place because of throwing garland during the funeral procession.

The police informed the court that it was a sensitive issue involving the traditions and emotions of people and at the same time the life and safety of the public. The DGP informed the court that it had instructed the officers to ensure that prior intimation is given by the family of the deceased to local police with a tentative time and route of procession to regulate traffic.

Further, the local police were directed to liaise with the Panchayat/Municipality/Corporations to clear the garlands from the road so that there is no hindrance or disturbance to the movement of traffic. It was to be ensured that no banners, or hoardings were permitted without prior approval from competent authorities.

The organizers were to collect the garlands in the funeral house itself and dispose of them safely. They were to be advised not to carry large numbers of garlands/wreaths along with the procession and not to throw them on the roads. The organizers were also advised not to carry out the procession on Highways/ arterial or main roads.

The police were also instructed to ensure no law and order problem arose and to take strict action if there was any violation endangering the life and safety of the public. The police were to regulate the participants in the funeral procession to go in intermittent gaps to facilitate the smooth movement of traffic.

Counsel for the Respondent: Mr. A.Edwin Prabakar State Government Pleader, Mr.R.Muniyapparaj Additional Public Prosecutor assisted by Mr.M.Sylvester John

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Mad) 133

Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Tamil Nadu and Others

Case No: W.P.No.34402 of 2023