In an impactful interview with Dinamalar, Advocate Priyadharshni Rahul sheds light on a critical Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court concerning crowd management and public safety during political rallies and large gatherings. Drawing from the tragic stampede incidents in Karur and during the Marina Air Show, she highlights the urgent need for a National Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to protect the lives of common citizens.
Priyadharshni points out a glaring gap in Indian law: while the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued guidelines in 2014, they are not legally binding on states. She argues that "Right to Life" under Article 21 should always supersede "Freedom of Speech" under Article 19 when organizing massive events. She questions the 75-year delay in implementing a "Marshal" system—a concept common in developed nations where certified professionals manage crowds, medical emergencies, and logistics.
A major highlight of her argument is the shift toward digital campaigning. She questions why political parties still rely on massive, disruptive physical rallies when 37% of voters are already influenced by social media. She suggests that instead of blocking roads and causing public inconvenience, leaders should engage in healthy digital debates. She emphasizes that roads are built for commutation, not for political shows. By using QR codes for registration and identifying specific, safer zones for meetings, tragedies can be averted. Her message to the electorate is clear: hold your leaders accountable for year-round service, not just for the spectacle they put on six months before an election.
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