Overview
- At an all-party meeting in Chennai, the government presented a draft SOP that is yet to be notified and is expected to be submitted to the Madras High Court within its 10‑day timeline.
- Proposals include permission applications at least 10 days in advance and a refundable security deposit scaled to expected turnout, with forfeiture and legal action for serious breaches such as crowds 50% above the approved limit.
- Operational measures outlined zoning of venues, public announcement systems, CCTV, lighting and generators, first-aid posts with ambulances, and police deployment ratios of 1:200 for low risk, 1:100 for medium, and 1:50 for high.
- Attendee safeguards would cap waiting at two hours and target a three-hour event duration, require drinking water and food provision, and set separate areas for pregnant women, seniors, and children.
- The High Court directed the SOP to be framed and, according to the state’s law officer, paused rallies and roadshows until then while allowing public meetings, as the CBI’s investigation into the Karur stampede continues and parties file feedback, with CPI(M) opposing deposits.