RSS Route March Permission Granted For 3 Out Of 50 Requested Places Due To Intelligence Report: TN Police Tells High Court

The Tamil Nadu police on Wednesday informed the Madras High Court that out of the 50 places for which route march permission was sought by RSS, only 3 were allowed. In 23 places the authorities had asked the party to carry out procession indoor. In the remaining 24 places, no permission could be granted.

Making submissions before a bench of Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan, Senior Advocate NR Elango, appearing for the police submitted that the permission in these places was denied in view of the Intelligence Reports.

Elango submitted that in view of the Coimbatore Cylinder Blast, the officers had examined the situation and decided against granting permission. He also submitted that due to the incessant rains, officers had to deployed in different areas. These officers had to be engaged for ground level protection in the procession. Thus, it was not wise to carry out the procession at this time.

He also submitted that the State did not have any problem with the organisation conducting meetings in closed space. But since, this was a sensitive issue, the police had to give due consideration to the law and order and the safety of members of the organisation.

We have no problem with them holding meeting in closed space. But this is a sensitive issue. Who is responsible for law and order and their own safety? We are. The safety is much more important. The authorities had taken a responsible decision. Paramount consideration of the court has to be the safety of its citizens, Elango submitted.

Senior Counsel NL Prabakaran appearing for the organisation said that it was the duty of the state to provide security for the procession which was within the right of the people of the country. It is the duty of the state. They cannot deny permission merely by saying law and order situation. If I'm protesting or calling a bandh, you can say something. I'm only asking permission to conduct a peaceful procession, he argued before the court. 

On accusations of the Police being political, Elango submitted that the court could look into the Intelligence Reports regarding each area in which the details have been provided. He added that these were not mere "presumptions" of the force but were backed with reports. 

The court decided to look into the detailed Intelligence Report and pass orders on Friday regarding the same. 

Case Title: R Karthikeyan v. K Phanindra Reddy IAS

Case No: Contempt Petition No. 2111 of 2022