In a recent incident near Porur, Chennai, police arrested 44 members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) after they conducted a religious ceremony and training session on government property without prior permission. The group had reportedly entered the Ayyappanthangal Government Higher Secondary School and carried out a Guru Puja along with a special Shakha training session, sparking swift action from authorities.
The issue came to light when the headmaster of the school lodged a formal complaint. According to his statement, the RSS members accessed the school premises without any official authorization. Based on this complaint, a police team arrived at the location and initially detained 39 individuals. As the investigation continued, the number of those taken into custody rose to 44.
Police officials confirmed that the event was held without any communication with or clearance from the relevant administrative bodies. As the school is a government institution, conducting any form of gathering or activity, especially of a political or religious nature, requires explicit prior permission from education or civic authorities.
Legal action has been initiated under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which recently replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The arrested individuals face charges related to unlawful assembly and criminal trespass on public property. These sections of the law are typically invoked when a group enters or occupies government land or buildings without lawful authority, particularly when their presence may disrupt public order or violate institutional protocols.
Following their initial detention, the group was taken to a private hall for further questioning and processing. Police later confirmed that all 44 individuals were formally arrested and an FIR (First Information Report) was registered against them. However, they were released shortly afterward on station bail, a form of temporary release granted at the police station itself, pending further legal proceedings.
The incident has raised questions about the use of public institutions for activities linked to political or ideological organizations. Government schools, being neutral spaces intended for educational purposes, are generally not permitted to host such gatherings unless authorized. This event, conducted without any formal clearance, has sparked criticism from various quarters, particularly among educators and civic officials concerned about the sanctity and neutrality of educational spaces.
No official statement has been issued by RSS representatives at the time of writing. However, sources close to the organization have suggested that the gathering was part of a routine training exercise, and that there may have been a miscommunication regarding the use of the venue. Regardless, police officials maintain that entering government property without permission constitutes a clear violation of the law.
The case remains under investigation, and further legal action will depend on the findings of the inquiry. Authorities have reiterated that any future events at government-run institutions must go through proper channels to avoid similar legal consequences.
