The Tamil Nadu BJP announced that a two-wheeler rally carrying national flags will be held in all district capitals across the state.
Published Aug 14, 2024 | 3:02 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 15, 2024 | 10:12 AM
Indian flag tied on the handle of a vehicle. (iStock)
The Madras High Court on Wednesday, 14 August, ruled against the Tamil Nadu government’s order banning a bike rally of the BJP on the occasion of Independence Day.
It was a part of several programs organised by the BJP across the country.
The Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP had announced that a two-wheeler rally carrying national flags will be held in all district capitals across the state on 15 August.
However, following the announcement, the Tamil Nadu police refused to accord permission for the rally. Subsequently, the saffron party moved the high court seeking approval for it.
On Tuesday, Justice G Jayachandran allowed the petition following an urgent mention by A Krishna Prasath, Coimbatore district secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha.
The court also sent a notice to the Director General of Police (DGP) seeking an explanation.
Subsequently, during Wednesday’s hearing, the high court permitted the BJP’s two-wheeler rally in Tamil Nadu on Independence Day.
“This court finds no apprehension or violation for denying permission for bike rally carrying national flag on the day of Independence…The court directs the police to not prohibit any rally whatsoever whether by motorcar, motorbike, cycle or walk in which the participants carry the National Flag with respect and dignity and pass through the highway without causing any disturbance to the traffic,” the court ordered, reported LiveLaw.
According to RC Paul Kanagaraj, the advocate representing the petitioner, the court order was not confined to Coimbatore but applicable all over the state.
The court said that the organisers should inform the route and number of people who may attend the rally and the timings to the authorities concerned, to provide enough police protection.
Granting the permit, the court also said that it was valid only on Independence Day and clarified that it was not applicable for any other day.
On Tuesday, Justice Jayachandran remarked that a mere 15-minute to one-hour rally would not cause much harm and the state could not completely reject the BJP’s request.
“Anyone can go with flags. There is nothing wrong with it. Them (BJP) having a rally for 15 minutes or one hour is not going to cause any damage. If you (state) want, you can make suggestions about the route. But you can’t reject completely,” the court had remarked.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
