New Delhi: The Supreme Court has reserved its order on petitions filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and other political parties challenging the Madras High Court’s direction to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Karur stampede.
The petitions contend that a state police–led SIT lacks independence and credibility, and that the High Court made adverse remarks against TVK leader Vijay without providing a hearing. During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices J. K. Maheshwari and N. V. Anjaria, questioned the High Court’s jurisdiction, asking why the Chennai bench handled a case from Karur, which falls under the Madurai bench.
Petitioners demand independent probe
TVK and other petitioners requested that the investigation be conducted either by the CBI or an independent panel, preferably supervised by a retired Supreme Court judge. They argued that such an arrangement would ensure fairness and transparency.
The Tamil Nadu government defended the SIT, asserting that the officers assigned are of known integrity and that a CBI probe should be considered only in exceptional circumstances.
Background of the tragedy
The Karur stampede occurred on 27 September 2025 during a political rally organised by TVK in Veluswamypuram, Karur, Tamil Nadu, resulting in 41 deaths. The incident triggered widespread criticism over crowd management and administrative lapses. Several parties have demanded stronger accountability, a transparent investigation, and identification of those responsible for the tragedy.
The Supreme Court’s decision is being closely watched, as it will determine the course of the probe and potentially set a precedent for independent investigations in politically sensitive cases.