Madras HC rejects plea seeking CBI probe: 'single person’s mistake cannot halt the entire investigation'

A stampede occurred at actor Vijay's rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu on September 27. Forty-one people were killed and over 100 injured.

Seven public interest litigations related to this matter were listed before the Dussehra vacation bench of Justices M. Dhandapani and M. Jothiraman. The next hearing will be held on October 16.

Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay has postponed all political rallies for the next two weeks, putting a halt to his statewide election campaign. TVK posted information about the temporary suspension of its rallies on social media. Vijay's party has announced a relief amount of ₹2 million for the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the anticipatory bail petitions of TVK General Secretary Anand and Nirmal Kumar were also listed for hearing before a single bench of Justice Jothiraman. However, these were not heard.

7 petitions related to Karur stampede...

·         The first public interest litigation was filed by A. Senthilkannan, an autorickshaw owner from Karur who claims to be an injured eyewitness to the stampede. He requested the court to restrain the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) from granting permission to TVK to hold any further public events until a standard operating procedure (SOP) is formulated.

·         The second PIL, filed by K. Kathiresan of Madurai, seeks a direction to the Tamil Nadu government to form an expert committee to implement safety protocols for public events, and to require organizers to deposit security deposits and obtain group insurance.

·         The third PIL was filed by K.K.C.P. Prabhara Pandian, president of the Ambasamudram Municipality and a DMK member. He wants the TVK to be prevented from holding any public meetings in Tirunelveli district until the investigation into the Karur stampede is completed.

·         Fourth PIL: Filed by Karur resident M. Thangam, seeking direction to the Home Secretary and Director General of Police to frame comprehensive guidelines for crowd control and mass gathering management.

·         Fifth PIL: Filed by Madurai resident K.K. Ramesh, the petition seeks to direct the central government to take action against the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary and Director General of Police and to order a CBI investigation into the Karur tragedy. He also seeks compensation of ₹50 lakh for the deceased and ₹10 lakh for the injured.

·         Sixth PIL: Filed by Chennai-based advocate M.L. Ravi, president of the Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi, he also demanded a CBI investigation into the Karur stampede, citing the possibility of a conspiracy.

·         Seventh PIL: Filed by BJP advocate G.S. Mani, seeking a CBI or SIT probe into the Karur tragedy.

Vijay halted rallies for two weeks

Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay has postponed all political rallies for the next two weeks, putting a halt to his statewide election campaign. TVK posted information about the temporary suspension of its rallies on social media. Vijay's party has announced a relief amount of ₹2 million for the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the anticipatory bail petitions of TVK General Secretary Anand and Nirmal Kumar were also listed for hearing before a single bench of Justice Jothiraman. However, these were not heard.

Court Room

Bench: We will hear each petition one by one. The court will first look into the matter.

Lawyer: The court is well aware that this stampede was caused by negligence. The roads were narrow. I argue that this was mismanagement. I request that the DGP be directed to draft a SOP to be implemented during such events.

Bench: The High Court's main bench is hearing this matter and has issued some instructions. We will allow you to go there.

AAG J Ravindran said that the state will not give permission to any political party until the SOP is made.

Court: The responsibility for security lies with the law enforcement agencies.

AAG: There's no dispute about that. I've been instructed not to allow any political party to hold rallies or meetings without establishing SOPs.

Bench: This PIL has been filed by a person injured in the stampede in Karur. It seeks directions to the DGP.

Petitioner's Counsel: A counsel submits that the petitioner is being threatened by the respondent political party.

Bench: Don't level accusations against a political party that isn't here. File a complaint. Mr. Lawyer, exercise restraint. This PIL is only about establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP).

Advocate G.S. Mani : I am asking the government to direct a CBI investigation. I am not blaming the state government, but rather saying that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.

Bench: That's the first principle of judicial work. If a victim comes to us, we will come to their aid. Who are you?

Advocate Mani: The state police cannot investigate any case against itself.

Bench: How can you say that? Don't treat this court as a political arena. If something goes wrong with the investigation, you can come. This is the initial stage. There are no allegations against the state yet. There is only an allegation of lack of security.

Advocate Mani: He was the one who gave the permission.

Bench: Do you want to withdraw the case or pass orders on merits.

Advocate Mani: I want order on merits.

Bench: The petitioner lacks confidence in the state's law enforcement agency and therefore demands a CBI investigation. The petitioner is not a victim, but a leader of a political party. Just because one person made a mistake does not mean the entire investigation will be abandoned. Consider the lives lost.