The Madras High Court on Wednesday permitted the BJP’s ‘Tiranga Rally’ in Tamil Nadu, directing the state government not to prohibit such activities, whether in the form of motorcycle or bicycle rallies or by foot, carrying the national flag on Independence Day (August 15).
The court also imposed several conditions for the event, including ensuring proper respect for the Indian tricolour.
A single judge Justice G Jayachandran issued the directive while addressing a petition filed by A Krishna Prasath, Coimbatore district secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha, challenging an order from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kovai North, who had denied permission for a national flag rally involving about 200 two-wheelers at four locations in the western Tamil Nadu city on August 15.
The State was represented by the DGP. According to R C Paul Kanagaraj, the advocate representing the petitioner, the court order is not limited to Coimbatore but applies across the state.
In his order, the judge specified that organisers and participants must respect the national flag and ensure their rally does not cause disruption or inconvenience to the public. They must also maintain order. Organisers are required to inform the authorities of the route, the number of participants, and the timing of the rally to allow the police to provide appropriate protection.
The judge clarified that the permission granted is valid only for Independence Day and not for any other day. Krishna Prasath’s petition emphasized that Independence Day is a time to honor the significant figures who sacrificed for the country and to raise awareness among the younger generation about the significance of independence and the role of freedom fighters.
