Madras High Court Questions Refusal of RSS March Permission Based on Mosques

The Madras High Court criticised authorities for relying on the presence of mosques along a proposed route to deny permission for an RSS procession.

Background and dispute

The dispute concerned police restrictions on a planned march and the reasons offered for denying the route. The Court examined whether general apprehensions justified curtailing lawful assembly.

Legal issue and court’s approach

The Bench cautioned against treating a religious community as a reason for withholding another group’s rights. The legality of restrictions depends on concrete public-order considerations and proportionate conditions, not stereotypes.

Order and practical consequence

The authorities must deal with the procession request consistently with the Court’s directions and applicable law.