Karur Stampede: Supreme Court Seeks Clarity on Madras HC Orders, Says “This Isn’t Right”
Supreme Court issued notice on TVK’s petition challenging the Madras High Court’s SIT enquiry order in the Karur stampede case and sought clarity on the role of the proposed Commission of Inquiry
SC heard TVK’s challenge to the Madras High Court’s SIT order in the Karur stampede case, issuing notice and seeking responses on the Commission of Inquiry dispute
The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice on the petition filed by actor Vijay’s party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), challenging the Madras High Court order directing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Karur stampede that claimed several lives earlier this year.
The Bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi took up the matter and signalled concern over developments in the High Court, observing that “something wrong” appeared to be happening there, referring to a report submitted by the Registrar General.
Senior Advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, appearing for TVK, pointed out that the State government had recently filed an affidavit blaming the party for negligence and sought that the Supreme Court’s interim order directing a CBI inquiry be vacated. Kaul argued that the new affidavit required detailed hearing.
The Bench noted it was aware of the developments and sought to understand the rationale behind the State’s proposed Commission of Inquiry, especially after the Supreme Court had earlier stayed its appointment.
Senior Advocate P Wilson, appearing for the State, said the Commission would only recommend preventive and regulatory measures and would not interfere with the ongoing investigation. He added that the High Court had only dealt with issues relating to Standard Operating Procedures and crowd management.
Justice Maheshwari questioned the need and purpose of the commission and expressed concern over procedural issues in the High Court, including observations made in the Registrar General’s report.
Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, for the petitioners, argued that the State was seeking reliefs not contemplated before the High Court or the Supreme Court earlier, and that the Commission’s statutory mandate was separate from the investigation.
The Bench agreed that the matter required full hearing.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court issued notice in the Special Leave Petition. The Registrar General’s report was taken on record and directed to be supplied to all parties. The matter will be heard in detail at the next listing.
On October 13, the Court had ordered a CBI investigation into the Karur stampede, observing that the incident had a direct bearing on the fundamental rights of citizens. It had also constituted a three-member committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi to oversee the investigation.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor and party chief Vijay, had approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent probe under the supervision of a former Apex Court judge into the September 27 stampede at its rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur district, which claimed 41 lives and injured several others.
The plea by TVK challenged the Madras High Court’s October 3 order forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Inspector General of Police. The petition argues that the High Court itself questioned the independence of the state police but nevertheless directed a probe by senior police officers from the same force. “The petitioner-party and its leaders are prejudiced by the order which appoints an SIT composed solely of officers of the State Police, especially in view of the High Court’s own dissatisfaction with their independence,” the plea stated.
TVK further contended that the tragedy may have resulted from a pre-planned conspiracy by miscreants aiming to disrupt the rally and that a probe led by a retired Supreme Court judge is necessary to ensure impartiality. The party has also objected to the High Court’s strong remarks holding TVK leaders responsible for “fleeing from the scene” and not assisting victims, calling them “factually incorrect and contrary to record.” The plea asserts that TVK members, upon learning of people fainting, immediately took coordinated steps to provide medical aid and assistance.
The Madras High Court, while forming the SIT, had also banned political rallies, roadshows, and similar public events along highways until Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are framed. It had criticised TVK workers and the State government for their handling of the event.
Notably, the Supreme Court on October 7, agreed to hear on October 10 an appeal by BJP leader challenging the High Court’s refusal to order a CBI probe into the same incident.
Case Title: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam v. PH Dinesh
Order Date: December 12, 2025
Bench: Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice NV Anjaria