Supreme Court To Hear Tamil Nadu Government's Appeal Against Madras HC Order Allowing RSS Route Marches In The State On 3 March

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (1 March) agreed to hear on Friday (3 March), an appeal of the Tamil Nadu government against the Madras High Court order permitting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to take out route marches in the state.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha took note of the submissions of senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state government, that the plea needed an urgent hearing as the march is scheduled to commence from March 5.

The Madras High Court on 10 February had permitted the RSS to take out its route march in Tamil Nadu on rescheduled dates, and observed that protests are essential for a healthy democracy.

The bench of Justice R Mahadevan and Mohammed Shaffiq had said that the state has to protect the freedom of speech.

Earlier, a single-judge bench of the Madras High Court had directed the RSS to conduct its march in compounded premises such as a ground or stadium.

(With inputs from PTI)

Also Read: 'State Must Uphold Freedom Of Speech', Says Madras HC, Allows RSS Route March