New Delhi: The Supreme Court will on Friday (October 10, 2025) hear a petition filed by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), seeking the appointment of a former apex court judge to monitor the investigation into the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. The matter will be heard by a bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria.
TVK demands independent oversight
The petition filed by TVK has urged the court to ensure an impartial and transparent probe, expressing doubts about the handling of the investigation at the local level. The party contended that the stampede, which occurred during a political rally, may have been the result of a “pre-planned conspiracy by certain miscreants to create trouble at the site.”
TVK has requested that a retired Supreme Court judge be appointed to supervise the probe, arguing that the gravity of the incident demands judicial oversight to maintain public trust.
Background of the Karur tragedy
The stampede took place last month during a TVK rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, where a large crowd had gathered. Panic reportedly broke out after a section of the audience surged toward the stage, leading to a crush that left 41 people dead and several others injured.
Initial reports suggested that overcrowding and inadequate crowd control measures were contributing factors. However, TVK maintains that the incident may have been orchestrated by disruptive elements aiming to discredit the party and its leadership.
Ongoing investigations
State authorities have launched multiple inquiries into the tragedy. The Tamil Nadu Police are conducting an investigation, while a separate fact-finding committee was set up by the state government to examine security lapses and administrative failures.
Several eyewitness accounts and video recordings from the event have been collected, and statements from local officials, organisers, and survivors are being reviewed.
Supreme Court’s intervention sought
In its plea, TVK has argued that a court-monitored probe would help ensure fairness and accountability. The petition also calls for a compensation framework for victims’ families and stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The bench of Justices Maheshwari and Anjaria is expected to hear preliminary arguments and decide whether to issue notices to the state government and investigating agencies.
Next steps
The hearing on Friday will determine whether the Supreme Court will form an independent committee or appoint a retired judge to oversee the ongoing investigation. The outcome is expected to have a significant bearing on how politically linked mass gatherings are regulated and managed across the state.