Tamil Nadu government to consult parties on November 6 for drafting SOP on political rallies, meetings

The Tamil Nadu government has called for a consultation of political parties for drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the conduct of political meetings and rallies in the State. It has invited representatives of political parties recognised by the Election Commission of India and those represented in the State Legislature Assembly and in the Parliament for the consultation scheduled in Chennai on Thursday (November 6, 2025).

Senior Ministers would preside over the consultation scheduled at the Secretariat premises in Chennai on November 6, an official release issued by the Tamil Nadu government on Monday (November 3), said. Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam was despatching invitations to political party leaders concerned to take part in the consultation.

Following a stampede at actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam rally in Karur on September 27 in which 41 persons died, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had on October 4 announced that consultations would be held with experts and representatives of political parties, among others, to formulate a comprehensive SOP to prevent such incidents.

The Madras High Court had on October 27 directed the Tamil Nadu government to frame within 10 days a draft SOP for the conduct of political meetings and rallies in the State to avoid mishaps such as the Karur stampede. A bench led by the Chief Justice had told the Additional Advocate General that the draft SOP must be placed before the court by November 11.