No permission for Vel Yatra: TN govt informs Madras HC

Chennai

Taking into account the possible second and third wave of coronavirus and communal flare up, the state government informed Madras High Court that it has denied permission to Vel Yatra procession.

One Senthilkumar moved the court calling to stop BJP from taking out Vel Yatra procession.

The procession will be taken for a period of a month. Yatra is planned to start from Tiruthani at November 6 to Thiruchendhur at December 6. December 6 coincides with Babar Masjid demolition anniversary, so this procession could stoke incendiarism.

While, TN DGP, Tamil Nadu's home secretary, BJP Tamil Nadu's chief L Murugan were included as respondents for this petition.

Advocate General Vijay Narayan appeared for the state government to call for curbs on the procession to prevent the rapid spread of the contagion.

BJP side took strong opposition to this decision. Justifying Vel Yatra they said when schools have started to reopen why not allow the procession.

Brushing aside coronavirus spread fears attached to the Yatra, BJP said they weren't taking processions through containment zones and nor are they going to stay in any such places.