Tamil Nadu Government Introduces Strict SOP to Ensure Safety at Public Gatherings After Karur Stampede

Chennai: In the wake of the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives at a political rally attended by actor-politician Vijay, the Tamil Nadu government has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate public gatherings across the State. The move comes following directions from the Madras High Court to strengthen safety measures and prevent similar disasters.

The SOP, released through a Government Order dated January 5, lays down uniform guidelines for permissions, risk assessment, crowd management, and safety measures for rallies, processions, road shows, demonstrations, and other large events. It is applicable to gatherings with more than 5,000 participants, while smaller events will follow existing procedures. Religious gatherings at traditionally notified venues or routes are exempted.

Under the new framework, event organizers must submit detailed applications to local police authorities, including information on venue layout, expected crowd size, duration, route details, parking, traffic diversions, medical aid, sanitation, and fire safety arrangements. District Collectors are tasked with designating venues, certifying crowd-holding capacities, and reviewing them regularly to ensure safety.

The SOP introduces a risk-based classification of events — low, moderate, and high risk — with corresponding norms for police deployment and security arrangements. Organizers are required to deploy trained volunteers, ensure sufficient drinking water, toilets, and medical support, and install CCTV coverage of the venue. For processions and road shows, only half the road width may be occupied to avoid traffic disruption. Special provisions are outlined for VIP movements and public addresses.

To monitor compliance, Event Safety Monitoring Committees will operate at district and taluk levels. Police authorities may impose conditions, deny permissions with written reasons, revoke approvals, or take other actions in case of violations. Post-event compliance reports have also been made mandatory.