Madras High Court Overturns Job Offers for Karur Stampede Victims' Families

In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court's Madurai Bench has annulled government job offers to relatives of those who died in a stampede in Karur. The court emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional rights and the potential implications of such appointments. This decision comes as the government considers appealing to the Supreme Court. The ruling highlights the need for fairness in job allocations, especially when many are awaiting compassionate appointments. The tragic stampede, which occurred during a TVK rally, resulted in numerous casualties, raising questions about the responsibilities of the government in such incidents.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2026, 18:54 IST

Court Ruling on Job Appointments

Madurai: The Madras High Court's Madurai Bench dealt a blow to the C Joseph Vijay-led TVK administration by nullifying an order that granted government employment to the relatives of individuals who perished in a stampede in Karur last year.

A Division Bench, consisting of Justices CV Karthikeyan and R Sakthivel, stated that it was inappropriate to disregard the needs of numerous individuals awaiting compassionate appointments within government sectors.

The Bench remarked, "In the presence of a waiting list, it is unjust to prioritize the families of the Karur incident over others. These appointments violate the rights guaranteed to citizens under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution."

The court emphasized that the exercise of executive authority must remain within constitutional boundaries.

Sources suggest that the government may seek to appeal the High Court's decision in the Supreme Court.

The court referenced other tragic incidents, such as accidents at firework factories and road mishaps, where families received financial compensation rather than job placements on compassionate grounds.

While Advocate General Vijay Narayan defended the appointments as a policy decision, petitioners argued that a Government Order was in effect that mandated compliance for compassionate job provisions.

The court also warned that granting jobs to the relatives of stampede victims could lead to a surge of similar requests from others.

On July 10, Chief Minister Vijay had distributed job appointment letters to 31 individuals related to those who lost their lives in the stampede that occurred on September 27, 2025, in Karur.

The tragic event unfolded during a rally organized by TVK, where a stampede resulted in 41 fatalities and over 60 injuries.