The Tamil Nadu government has proposed to collect a returnable security deposit ranging between ₹1 lakh and ₹20 lakh from political parties, depending on the expected turnout for thepublic meetings, rallies or road shows they organise.
The State government presented the proposed features during a consultation meeting of political parties at the Secretariat in Chennai on Thursday, as part of steps to draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for public meetings by political parties.
The government has also proposed separate enclaves at the meeting venues for pregnant women, senior citizens and children.
It has also proposed to obtain from the organisers a written undertaking that they would “ensure smooth passage of ambulances without any hindrance”, and ensure the safe dispersal of the crowd/gathering.
The State government has proposed to collect a returnable security deposit of ₹1 lakh if the expected turnout was between 5,000 and 10,000; ₹3 lakh if it was between 10,000 and 20,000; ₹8 lakh if it was between 20,000 and 50,000; and ₹20 lakh if it was over 50,000.
