RSS to take out processions on the occasion of their founder’s day on November 9
Madras high court directed the police on Friday to grant permission to members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to take out processions in six districts, including Chennai, on the routes specified by the police on the occasion of their
Chennai: The Madras high court directed the police on Friday to grant permission to members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to take out processions in six districts, including Chennai, on the routes specified by the police on the occasion of their founder’s day on November 9 and to hold public meetings in places earmarked by the police with reasonable restrictions as they deem fit and proper.
Justice V. Ramasubramanian gave the directive allowing petitions from Durai Sankar and six others, all local office-bearers of the RSS of the areas of Chennai, Mannargudi, Thoothukudi, Karur, Coimbatore and Kanyakumari.
They challenged the orders of the commissioner of police, Chennai, and deputy superintendents of police, rejecting their request to conduct processions (route march) and hold public meetings on November 9.
The judge said the petitioners had stated that the processionists will not carry lathis and will not shout slogans inciting violence or offending the sentiments of anyone. Therefore, after having permitted rallies, processions and public meetings for several organisations, it may not be possible to deny such permission to the petitioners, the judge added.
The judge said, “As regards the inputs allegedly received from Intelligence agencies, it should be pointed out that those inputs, a copy of which was handed over to me, are of a general nature.” Moreover, the authorities have relied upon section 41-A of the Chennai City Police Act and section 30 (2) of the Police Act, both of which provided only for regulation and not prohibition, the judge pointed out.
He also dismissed the notion that the khaki half-trouser and white shirt worn by RSS volunteers resembled the uniform of the armed forces of the Union or the police force.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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