‘Shaken national conscience’: SC orders independent CBI probe in Karur stampede
The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the September 27 Karur stampede in Tamil Nadu, which killed 41 people during a rally by actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). The court stressed that an independent investigation was essential “to allay concerns and ensure impartiality.”
A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria set up a three-member monitoring committee to oversee the CBI probe. Former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi will head the panel, accompanied by two IPS officers from Tamil Nadu who are not natives of the state. The court said the committee will frame its own procedure under Justice Rastogi’s guidance. The CBI must submit monthly progress reports to the panel.
The Supreme Court sharply criticised the Madras High Court’s handling of the matter. It noted that a single judge, Justice N Senthilkumar, had taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) without making TVK a party. The court highlighted that the stampede fell under the jurisdiction of the Madurai Bench, which had earlier refused to interfere.
“The High Court’s order lacked sensitivity and propriety,” the Supreme Court said. It observed that the single judge extended the scope of the petitions far beyond what was before him and created multiple proceedings. The court noted that Justice Senthilkumar did not explain how he reached his conclusions or why he ignored the fact that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had already constituted a one-man commission to probe the stampede.
On October 3, Justice Senthilkumar had called the Karur stampede a “huge man-made disaster” and ordered an SIT while hearing a PIL seeking standard operating procedures (SoPs) for political rallies. He criticised Vijay, TVK, and the state police for handling the tragedy. Earlier, a two-judge bench at Madurai had declined to order a CBI probe, citing the ongoing judicial commission inquiry.
The Supreme Court said it would take strict note if procedural lapses were found. It directed the High Court Registry to place the SoP writ petition before a two-judge bench for further hearing. The directions came in response to multiple petitions, including one filed by TVK through its general secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, challenging the SIT formation and adverse remarks against the party and its leaders.
The court’s intervention ensures an impartial investigation and judicial oversight in the Karur stampede case, addressing public concerns over transparency and accountability.
