In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India on October 13 ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic Karur stampede that occurred on September 27, during a rally organized by actor Vijay’s political party — Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The incident claimed 41 lives, raising serious questions about administrative lapses and the safety measures at political gatherings.

A Bench comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice NV Anjaria issued the direction while hearing petitions filed by TVK and other parties challenging the Madras High Court’s October 3 order constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The Supreme Court also appointed former Supreme Court judge, Justice Ajay Rastogi, to head a monitoring committee that will supervise the CBI’s investigation.

As per the order, two IPS officers from the Tamil Nadu cadre, but not native to the state, may be part of the committee assisting Justice Rastogi. The CBI officers will submit monthly status reports to the committee regarding the progress of the probe.

The Supreme Court took strong exception to the Madras High Court (Chennai Bench) for exceeding its jurisdiction by constituting an SIT in a petition that only sought the framing of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for political rallies.

The Bench observed that the Karur district falls under the Madurai Bench’s jurisdiction, and the Chennai Bench could not have entertained the matter without authorization from the Chief Justice of the High Court, which was notably absent. The Court also directed the Registrar General of the Madras High Court to submit a detailed report explaining how the writ petition seeking an SOP for rallies was registered as a criminal writ petition.

“The Chennai Bench ought to have dismissed the writ petition instead of entertaining it and passing orders constituting an SIT,” the Supreme Court remarked.

The TVK’s petition, filed through its General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna, challenged the High Court’s October 3 order on multiple grounds. It objected to the formation of an SIT comprising only Tamil Nadu police officers, raising apprehensions about impartiality. It also contested the adverse remarks made against TVK and Vijay by the High Court, asserting that such comments were uncalled for.

The party sought a neutral, independent investigation under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge, a request that has now been partially granted through the SC’s latest order.

Other petitions before the Supreme Court included those filed by Panneerselvam Pitchaimuthu, S Prabakaran, Selvaraj P.A., and G.S. Mani, each challenging different aspects of the High Court’s handling of the matter, including the Madurai Bench’s refusal to transfer the investigation to the CBI.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court Bench questioned the Tamil Nadu authorities on several procedural and administrative issues. It pointedly asked why TVK was allowed to hold the rally at the same venue where the AIADMK had earlier been denied permission on the grounds of inadequate space and narrow passageways.

The Court also expressed concern over the post-mortem examinations of 30–40 victims being conducted at midnight and the cremation of bodies at 4 a.m., suggesting potential irregularities and haste in handling evidence and procedures.

Senior Advocates Dr. AM Singhvi and P. Wilson, appearing for the State of Tamil Nadu, informed the Court that certain petitioners who had filed for a CBI probe had disowned their petitions, claiming they were filed without their knowledge. The Bench stated it would consider this development and granted the State additional time to file its counter-affidavit.

The Supreme Court clarified that the order is interim and based on prima facie observations, meaning that the findings may evolve as the investigation progresses.

Case Details

• Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam v. P.H. Dinesh & Ors. | Diary No. 58048-2025

• Panneerselvam Pitchaimuthu v. Union of India & Ors. | Diary No. 57588-2025

• S. Prabakaran v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors. | W.P. (Crl.) No. 412/2025

• Selvaraj P.A. v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors. | W.P. (Crl.) No. 413/2025

• G.S. Mani v. Government of Tamil Nadu & Ors. | SLP (Crl.) No. 16081/2025