Overview
- A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant on January 22 disposed of a PIL seeking nationwide crowd-control protocols for rallies and large gatherings.
- The court refused blanket, one-size-fits-all directions, calling it “very difficult” to frame pan-India SOPs for varied situations.
- The bench flagged enforcement hurdles, asking how authorities could cap attendance when turnout exceeds capacity and how far the right to assemble can be curtailed.
- The petitioner, Tumbalam Gooty Venkatesh, sought a National Crowd Management and Safety Code, a centralized digital platform, real-time surveillance, and risk audits.
- The judges noted a representation was filed with the Home Ministry on December 18 and said authorities need “breathing time,” leaving consideration to the MHA and allowing a copy to the Election Commission.