In a significant move, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic Karur stampede that occurred on September 27 during a rally organized by actor Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which claimed 41 lives. A bench comprising Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice N.V. Anjaria noted that the incident had deeply shaken public conscience and raised serious concerns about the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights. The Court emphasized that an independent and transparent probe was essential to ensure justice and public confidence, directing the CBI to immediately take over the investigation from Tamil Nadu Police.
To ensure impartiality and effective oversight, the Court also constituted a three-member Supervisory Committee led by former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Ajay Rastogi. The Committee will include two senior IPS officers of Inspector General rank, chosen by Justice Rastogi, who may belong to the Tamil Nadu cadre but must not be natives of the State. This Committee has been empowered to issue directions to the CBI, monitor the investigation, and review collected evidence. The CBI will be required to submit monthly progress reports to the Committee. The bench also issued a sharp criticism of the Madras High Court’s handling of the case, questioning how its Chennai Bench could entertain a matter outside its territorial jurisdiction and convert a plea seeking guidelines for rallies into a criminal writ.
The top court’s order came in response to multiple petitions filed by TVK and others, challenging the Madras High Court’s earlier decision to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) composed solely of Tamil Nadu Police officers. The Supreme Court observed that the High Court’s approach raised procedural inconsistencies and ignored jurisdictional boundaries, as Karur falls under the Madurai Bench’s purview. The bench further questioned why permission was granted to TVK to hold a rally at a venue previously denied to another political party, AIADMK, due to safety concerns. The State of Tamil Nadu has been given eight weeks to file its counter-affidavit, while the Supreme Court clarified that its order is interim and based on prima facie findings pending further hearing.
