RSS route marches in Tamil Nadu today after Madras HC clears 128 locations
Synopsis
The RSS is marching across Tamil Nadu today — not because the state government agreed, but because a court ordered it to allow them. The Madras High Court's clearance for 128 locations, overruling the Vijay government's refusal, renews a decades-long flashpoint between the organisation and Tamil Nadu authorities, now amplified by the RSS's centenary year.
Key Takeaways
The RSS will hold route marches across Tamil Nadu on 25 October and 2 November at 128 approved locations .
The Madras High Court granted permission after RSS State secretary Jagadeeshan petitioned against the Vijay government's refusal.
Seven Chennai venues are covered on Sunday: Tiruvottiyur, Kolathur, Egmore, Korattur, Ayyappanthangal, Medavakkam, and Chromepet.
The marches are part of annual Vijayadashami observances and the RSS's centenary celebrations , marking 100 years since its founding in 1925 .
The RSS has faced similar permission disputes in Tamil Nadu for several years, previously securing court clearance even during the previous DMK government's tenure.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold route marches across Chennai and several other parts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, 25 October, following a Madras High Court order permitting the organisation to conduct processions at 128 locations across the state on 25 October and 2 November. The High Court granted clearance after RSS State secretary Jagadeeshan filed a petition challenging the state government's refusal to approve the events.
Key Locations in Chennai
Seven venues in Chennai and its suburban areas have been designated for Sunday's marches: Tiruvottiyur, Kolathur, Egmore, Korattur, Ayyappanthangal, Medavakkam, and Chromepet. In Egmore, the procession is scheduled to begin near the Ramada Hotel at 4 pm and conclude near Rajarathinam Stadium, where a public meeting will also be held. The Kolathur march begins at 3 pm near the Kamaraj statue at Peravallur.
Significance: Centenary and Vijayadashami
The processions are part of the RSS's annual Vijayadashami observances, during which uniformed volunteers participate in marches followed by public meetings. The occasion carries particular importance this year as the organisation marks its entry into its second century — the RSS was founded on Vijayadashami in 1925 and completed 100 years in 2025. The statewide programme was specifically sought as part of these centenary celebrations.
Legal Battle Behind the Permission
The court's clearance follows a pattern of legal disputes between the RSS and Tamil Nadu authorities over event permissions. The current Vijay government had denied approval for the proposed marches, prompting the organisation to approach the High Court. Notably, similar confrontations occurred during the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government's tenure, when the RSS secured judicial clearance — including through proceedings before the Supreme Court — after permissions were refused. According to the RSS, route marches have been organised in Tamil Nadu for approximately seven decades, making the recurring denial of permissions a long-standing point of contention.
What Happens Next
Sunday's events at the seven Chennai locations and other approved venues across the state will proceed under the High Court order. The remaining processions covered by the permission are scheduled for 2 November, completing the organisation's planned programme across all 128 approved locations in Tamil Nadu.
Point of View
Now the Vijay administration — the default response to RSS procession requests has been refusal, followed by court-ordered permission. That consistency suggests this is less about specific event logistics and more about a structural political calculation. The RSS, for its part, has shown it will reliably secure judicial relief, making the state's denial a symbolic gesture with limited practical effect. The centenary framing amplifies the stakes on both sides — any disruption now carries national optics. The real question is whether Tamil Nadu's political establishment will eventually recalibrate, or whether this annual court battle has simply become institutionalised.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the RSS need Madras High Court permission for its Tamil Nadu marches?
The Vijay government refused to grant administrative approval for the RSS route marches, prompting the organisation's State secretary Jagadeeshan to file a petition in the Madras High Court. The court subsequently allowed marches at 128 locations on 25 October and 2 November.
How many locations are covered by the Madras High Court order?
The court order covers 128 locations across Tamil Nadu, with marches split across two dates — 25 October and 2 November 2026.
Which areas in Chennai are included in Sunday's RSS route marches?
Seven areas in Chennai and its suburbs are covered: Tiruvottiyur, Kolathur, Egmore, Korattur, Ayyappanthangal, Medavakkam, and Chromepet. The Egmore march begins at 4 pm near the Ramada Hotel and ends at Rajarathinam Stadium.
What is the significance of Vijayadashami for the RSS?
Vijayadashami is the founding day of the RSS, which was established on this occasion in 1925. The organisation's annual observances on this date include uniformed processions and public meetings; the 2025 edition also marked the completion of the RSS's centenary year.
Has the RSS faced similar permission disputes in Tamil Nadu before?
Yes. According to the RSS, route marches have been held in Tamil Nadu for about seven decades, but permissions have been disputed with state authorities for several years. During the previous DMK government's tenure, the RSS also obtained court clearance — including from the Supreme Court — after permissions were denied.
