Will the Supreme Court Deliver a Verdict Today on the Independent Probe into the Karur Stampede?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court will announce its verdict regarding the Karur stampede investigation.
- 41 lives were lost, with over 100 individuals injured in the tragic incident.
- The Madras High Court criticized the political leadership for fleeing the scene.
- A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident.
- Calls for a CBI investigation are intensifying amidst public outcry.
New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is set to announce its decision today regarding requests for a CBI investigation into the Karur stampede that occurred during actor and TVK founder Vijay’s political rally in Tamil Nadu. This devastating event resulted in 41 fatalities and over 100 injuries.
According to the causelist available on the apex court's official website, a Bench consisting of Justices J K Maheshwari and N V Anjaria will render its judgment today concerning a series of petitions advocating for an independent inquiry.
The party led by actor-politician Vijay, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has called for an investigation under the leadership of a former Supreme Court judge, while others, including BJP leader Uma Anandan, are pushing for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry.
This calamity, marked as one of the most significant crowd-control failures in Tamil Nadu in recent years, has raised alarm bells about public safety at political gatherings across the nation.
Previously, the Madras High Court established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Asra Garg to investigate the unfortunate incident, while it declined to proceed with a petition for a CBI probe.
In a ruling issued on September 3, the Madras High Court criticized TVK’s political leaders for neglecting their supporters in the wake of the tragic event.
“It is alarming that the event organizers, including the political party leader, fled the venue, leaving their followers and fans behind. There has been no expression of remorse, accountability, or regret,” stated a single-judge Bench led by Justice N. Senthilkumar.
The Madras High Court thoroughly condemned the actions of Vijay, the event organizers, and the party members for escaping the scene immediately after the tragedy.
“It is the responsibility of such a party to promptly provide assistance to those affected by the stampede, especially considering the presence of children, women, and young individuals who tragically lost their lives,” the court emphasized.
In their special leave petition (SLP), TVK Secretary Aadhav Arjuna contested what the party described as “unverified and biased remarks” made against its leadership by the Madras High Court, asserting that TVK leaders and members had indeed “swiftly coordinated relief and medical aid” upon learning of individuals collapsing.
The Madras High Court had instructed the SIT to conduct a thorough and timely investigation and provide regular updates.