“What Is Your Fear?” – Madras High Court Slams TN Govt for Blocking RSS Route March, Questions Repeated Denial

“Every Year You Deny, Every Year Court Allows – What Is So Exceptional in 2026?”

RSS Route March Row: Madras HC Questions Tamil Nadu Govt’s Fear, Asks for Proof of Violence

The Madras High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Tamil Nadu government for repeatedly refusing permission to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to conduct route marches, asking the State what it feared from such peaceful processions.

Hearing a petition filed by RSS member Jagadeesan challenging police orders denying permission for RSS marches proposed in October, Justice V. Lakshminarayanan questioned the State’s stand despite earlier judicial orders in favour of the RSS. “What is your fear? Every year they are coming seeking permission, every year the court is granting. What is so exceptional for 2026? Has there been any violence so far in their march?” the Court observed.

Advocate General Vijay Narayan argued that permitting the marches would require heavy police deployment during the festive season and could inconvenience the public. However, the Court rejected the argument and sought specific instances of violence attributable to RSS processions. When the AG referred to previous criminal cases, Justice Lakshminarayanan asked, “Where, sir? Where are criminal cases on account of violence, you please tell me.” Senior Advocate N.L. Rajah, appearing for the RSS, submitted that RSS members themselves have been victims of violence during other processions.