CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has criticised the Tamil Nadu government for denying permission to the RSS for holding route marches across the state for three days in the months of October and November.
“The government is seeing its citizens as enemies. The denial of permission is not just restricted to RSS, events conducted by Dravidar Kazhagam, DMK and AIADMK, too, face such issues,” said Justice V Lakshminarayanan on Wednesday while hearing a petition filed by VG Jagadeesan, state secretary of RSS, North Tamil Nadu.
The petitioner had moved the court seeking directions to the authorities, including the Home Secretary and the DGP, to permit the march on October 18, 25 and November 1.
Questioning the rationale behind governments, irrespective of the party in power, denying permission for the event in TN, the judge asked, “If they (RSS) can hold the route march in terrorism-infested areas like in Jammu and Kashmir, why can’t it be held in TN?”
“Every year, they are coming to the court with petitions,” the judge said, and noted that the courts have already held that denial of permission is unreasonable.
‘Norms framed for RSS march being strictly followed’
Advocate General Vijay Narayan submitted that guidelines have been framed for dealing with RSS route march and they are being strictly put into implementation.
The state has to take into account the prevailing situation as the dates suggested by the petitioner coincides with upcoming festivals and permission has been denied in places that are not designated routes for processions, he said.
Senior counsel NL Rajah, representing the petitioner, submitted that the organisation is ready to comply with all the guidelines and conditions. “If the organisation is not complying with the police’s (guidelines), they can point out to the non-compliance and ask it to adhere to the guidelines,” he told the court.
The petition stated that a representation was given to the DGP requesting him to issue directions to the Commissioners of Police and SPs for granting permission for the route march but action has not been taken so far.
(For full report, visit www.the newindianexpress,com)
