A petition seeking directions to allow RSS processions across Tamil Nadu came up for hearing before the Madras High Court on Tuesday. The plea was filed by RSS state secretary Jagadeesan.
During the hearing, Justice Lakshmi Narayanan raised a series of questions to the Tamil Nadu government on the repeated denial of permission. The judge noted that even in Jammu and Kashmir, where security concerns are often cited, RSS processions are permitted, and asked why Tamil Nadu should be different.
The judge also observed that, irrespective of which party is in power, RSS has had to approach the court repeatedly for permission. The court remarked that denial of permission is not limited to RSS and that other parties or organisations too face similar refusals.
Appearing for the state, Advocate General Vijay Narayan said permission was denied considering possible inconvenience to the public during festival periods. The judge did not accept the reasoning, asking whether holding a procession amounts to an anti-national act and warning that such refusals could lead to avoidable litigation and negative publicity for the police.
The court advised the RSS and the government to hold discussions and arrive at an amicable solution. The matter was adjourned to tomorrow.
