The Madras High Court on Tuesday questioned the Tamil Nadu government and the police over what it described as repeated refusal to grant permission for RSS processions in the state.
The petition was filed by RSS state secretary Jagatheesan, who said the organisation has traditionally held Vijayadashami processions across Tamil Nadu, featuring a uniformed march followed by a public meeting highlighting social unity and quotations from leaders such as Swami Vivekananda and B.R. Ambedkar. He said an application was submitted to the Director General of Police seeking permission to hold the event on October 18, October 25 or November 1, but no response was received.
Appearing for the petitioner, senior counsel N.L. Raja argued that police routinely deny permission every year, forcing the organisation to approach the court. He also raised concerns about smaller groups that may not have the means to litigate for such permissions.
For the police, Advocate General Vijay Narayan submitted that rules require applications to be filed 21 days in advance and said the RSS applied only on October 3. He also contended that the proposed route was not suitable for permission and that allowing a procession during the festival season could inconvenience the public.
Justice V. Lakshminarayanan expressed dissatisfaction, noting that earlier High Court directions—also upheld by the Supreme Court—had required permissions, and asked why denials continued. The judge directed that five lawyers from the petitioner’s side could meet the government’s head criminal law officer R. John Sathyan for discussions, and adjourned the matter to Wednesday.
