In a significant move following the tragic Karur stampede that claimed multiple lives, the Madras High Court has issued a stern directive to the Tamil Nadu government, demanding the creation of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for public events within a strict 10-day deadline.
Judicial Intervention After Tragedy
The court's intervention comes as a direct response to the devastating stampede that occurred during a recent public event in Karur district. The bench, expressing grave concern over the lack of proper safety protocols, emphasized the urgent need for systematic guidelines to govern all public gatherings across the state.
Key Court Directives
The High Court has mandated that the state government develop detailed SOPs covering:
- Crowd management strategies for large-scale events
- Emergency response protocols for crisis situations
- Safety clearance procedures for event organizers
- Infrastructure requirements for venue safety
- Accountability measures for officials and organizers
Preventing Future Tragedies
The court observed that the Karur incident highlighted critical gaps in event management and crowd control mechanisms. "Such tragedies are preventable with proper planning and protocols," the bench noted, underscoring the state's responsibility to ensure citizen safety during public gatherings.
Government Accountability
The Tamil Nadu administration has been directed to submit the finalized SOPs to the court for review after the 10-day period. The guidelines are expected to serve as a comprehensive framework for all district administrations and event organizers across the state, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.
This judicial mandate represents a crucial step toward institutionalizing safety measures and preventing similar incidents that have repeatedly occurred during religious gatherings, political rallies, and cultural events across India.
