Tamil Nadu Prepares Draft SOPs for Political Rallies After Karur Stampede

Overview

• An all-party consultative meeting in Chennai discussed draft rules for public meetings and political roadshows after the September 27 Karur tragedy that killed 41 people.
• Proposals require organisers to seek permission at least 10 days in advance and place a security deposit of up to ₹20 lakh based on expected crowd size.
• Organisers would have to deploy volunteers, provide drinking water and food, and avoid keeping attendees waiting for more than two hours.
• For heavy crowds, police deployment is proposed at about one officer per 50 people, and 50% of the deposit may be withheld if attendance exceeds approved limits.
• A Madras High Court directive keeps rallies and roadshows paused until the SOP is framed, public meetings may continue, and the CBI investigation into the stampede remains ongoing.