Tamil Nadu: Supreme Court allows RSS march, dismisses government's plea
The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to carry out its march in Tamil Nadu, dismissing the MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government's plea against the proposed RSS events. The government had challenged a Madras High Court order permitting the RSS to carry out marches in the state, invoking law and order.
SC dismissed government's appeals against high court decision
A bench of Justices V Ramasubramanian and Pankaj Mithal dismissed the Tamil Nadu government petition challenging Madras High Court orders allowing the RSS march. It also dismissed the state government's appeal challenging the high court's order in September 2022. Previously, the top court had adjourned the case after the state claimed that the parties would try to arrive at a solution.
What do we know about the case?
In October last year, the RSS sought the government's permission for a march around Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Gandhi Jayanti, which it refused, prompting the RSS to approach the high court. In February, the court allowed the events, saying protests are important in a healthy democracy. The state government then appealed against the high court order in the Supreme Court.
Who are the counsels that represented RSS and state government
Senior advocates Mahesh Jethmalani, Guru Krishna Kumar, and Menaka Guruswamy appeared on the RSS's behalf along with advocates Nachiketa Joshi, Archana Pathak Dave, Mugdha Pande, Santosh Kumar, and Praneet Pranav. On the other hand, former attorney-general for India Mukul Rohatgi represented the Tamil Nadu government.
RSS counsel challenged ban on these grounds
RSS counsel Jethmalani questioned the ban order on RSS marches in several locations on the basis that the Popular Front of India (PFI) had recently been outlawed as well. "Not a single incident of violence was reported from the areas, where these marches were carried out," Jethmalani said. Members of the RSS were allegedly attacked where they were sitting peacefully, he claimed.
A little about proceedings in Supreme Court
On March 17, the SC postponed the hearing on the government's petition contesting the high court ruling after learning that the state had filed a new appeal against the original order that directed the police to grant RSS permission for programs. Reportedly, the state government told the SC on March 3 that it is not completely opposed to the events, but cited intelligence reports.
