The Supreme Court has transferred the Karur stampede investigation to the CBI, forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a retired judge to oversee and ensure a transparent, fair, and impartial probe into the tragedy.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has now transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a free, fair, and impartial probe.
The Bench, comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria, directed that the investigation be handed over to the CBI for a “free and impartial investigation.” To ensure effective oversight, the Court constituted a three-member monitoring committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi.
The Court explained,
“Looking at the facts, the issue has a bearing on the fundamental rights of the citizens. The directions are to hand over the investigation to the CBI. In order to allay the concern of parties, we propose to set up a three-member committee. We have requested Justice Ajay Rastogi to head the committee.”
To oversee the CBI’s work, the Court has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a retired Supreme Court judge, along with two senior IPS officers. This committee will not only monitor the progress of the investigation but may also inquire into any related issues connected to the stampede, ensuring a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The SIT has been granted the authority to determine its own procedure under the directions of the presiding judge, offering flexibility in conducting a meticulous investigation. The CBI officers involved are required to submit monthly progress reports to the committee, keeping the process transparent and accountable.
Additionally, the Court has clarified that matters related to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) hearing will continue to be addressed by the Division Bench, and it has sought a report from the Registrar General on how the case was initially listed as a criminal petition.
What Happened in the Last Hearing
The Supreme Court (on October 10th) heard a petition filed by actor Vijay’s political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (TVK), challenging the Madras High Court’s order directing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Karur stampede of September, which killed 41 people and injured 146 during a public event.
TVK’s Arguments:
- Senior Advocate Gopal Subramanium clarified that the petition sought a writ of mandamus directing the government to develop a protocol for managing public gatherings, not to challenge the SIT itself.
- Subramanium and Aryama Sundaram raised jurisdictional issues, noting that the Madurai Bench should have heard the matter, and criticized procedural irregularities, including making observations against individuals not party to the case.
- They urged that the SIT should be impartial, preferably chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge with the authority to select its members.
State’s Position:
- Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and other State counsel argued that the SIT was properly constituted and functioning, and there was no evidence of negligence or bias.
- Singhvi emphasized that CBI intervention is exceptional and requires State consent; routine transfers are not justified.
- Mukul Rohatgi and P. Wilson highlighted procedural complexities and noted that cases involving police are typically treated as criminal writ petitions.
Victims’ Representatives:
- Families of victims, including D.S. Naidu, expressed anguish over unrelated parties filing petitions, highlighting the failure of police supervision.
- Some sought a CBI probe, citing perceived political influence and inconsistencies in event permissions.
Court Observations:
- Justice J. Maheshwari questioned the procedural propriety of the High Court’s handling and highlighted jurisdictional issues.
- The Court noted that the single judge in Madurai had already entertained related petitions and that unrelated observations were made without affording the affected individuals an opportunity to respond.
- The Court reserved its order after hearing all sides.
ALSO READ: Karur Stampede: TVK Challenges Madras High Court Order in Supreme Court Amid SIT Probe and Rising CBI Demand
Background
The incident on September 27, during a TVK rally led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, resulted in 41 deaths and numerous injuries. The chaos, including incidents involving Vijay’s campaign vehicle, triggered scrutiny of the party’s management of the event. Vijay himself was not named in any FIR, but the rally’s handling and aftermath became the focus of legal and political debates.
On October 3, Justice N. Senthilkumar of the Madras High Court issued a critical order against TVK, noting the State’s investigation was “not up to mark” and directing a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. The High Court underscored its constitutional duty to intervene when investigations are inadequate.
TVK approached the Supreme Court, challenging this order, questioning both the criticism of the party and the SIT directive. Meanwhile, families of victims and other petitioners continue to demand a CBI investigation, though the Madurai Bench of the High Court had earlier declined such a transfer, noting the State investigation was still ongoing and that the petitioners were not directly affected.
Case Title:
TAMILAGA VETTRI KAZHAGAM V P.H. DINESH AND ORS.
Diary No. 58048-2025
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Stampede