The Madras High Court on Thursday allowed political parties, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and others to distribute relief material to the needy after following the government guidelines.
The court also said those wanting to distribute the relief materials should inform the government officials 48 hours in advance.
The court gave the order in a petition filed by DMK against the state government announcement warning NGOs, volunteers, and political parties of legal action if they distribute relief materials on their own to the people affected by the lockdown.
The government had said the relief materials should be deposited with government officials who would then distribute them to the needy.
DMK President M.K.Stalin welcomed the court decision.