Supreme Court Dismisses DMK's Plea Against Tamil Nadu CM's Visit Amid Karur Stampede Investigation

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has dismissed the DMK's plea to restrict Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's visits related to the Karur stampede case. The court emphasized that the chief minister is not an accused in the matter and questioned the DMK's request to regulate his activities. As Vijay prepares to meet the families of the victims, the court's decision highlights the complexities surrounding political statements and ongoing investigations. The DMK had sought to prevent public comments that could influence the CBI's inquiry, but the court urged them to seek alternative remedies. This ruling comes in the wake of a tragic incident that claimed 41 lives during a rally last year.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 7, 2026, 14:30 IST

Supreme Court's Ruling on DMK's Request

New Delhi: The Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is not implicated in the Karur stampede incident, rejecting the DMK's request to limit his visits. The court criticized the DMK for questioning the chief minister's visit and for suggesting that state ministers were swaying witnesses in the ongoing investigation.

A bench comprising Justices KV Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe dismissed the DMK's plea, questioning how the court could oversee the schedule of the state's executive leader.

Vijay is set to meet with the families affected by the stampede on July 10.

The court emphasized that the chief minister is not named in any FIR related to the case, with Justice Viswanathan stating, "How can this court become a political arena?" while addressing senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, who represented DMK secretary RS Bharati.

Kumar argued that statements from TVK ministers were shaping public perception about the stampede, which he claimed violated a previous ruling that transferred the investigation to the CBI.

Justice Viswanathan challenged Kumar, asking if they expected the Supreme Court to dictate the chief minister's itinerary.

Kumar indicated that the DMK might pursue a contempt petition against TN minister Aadhav Arjuna for comments made regarding the case, which allegedly breached the Supreme Court's directives from last year.

He further stated that the party sought to prevent the chief minister and other ministers from discussing the case's merits publicly.

Justice Viswanathan responded, questioning whether the court should impose restrictions on free speech, suggesting that political rivals should counter each other's statements rather than seek judicial intervention.

Kumar clarified that his request was to ensure no public comments were made that could compromise the CBI investigation's integrity.

The justice then inquired how the distribution of Rs 10 lakh in compensation and job appointments for the victims' families would impact the investigation.

The court advised Kumar to withdraw the plea and seek alternative legal remedies, or it would be dismissed.

Kumar agreed to withdraw the plea but requested the option to raise the issue before the committee led by retired Justice Ajay Rastogi, which oversees the CBI investigation.

The Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the plea as withdrawn.

The DMK's petition aimed to restrict public statements from the Tamil Nadu chief minister, minister Aadhav Arjuna, and others involved in the case, as well as to regulate their interactions with the victims' families during the CBI investigation.

The petition highlighted reports of the chief minister's planned visit to Karur to distribute government orders and benefits to the families of the deceased and injured.

It also referenced a recent statement by Arjuna, who allegedly claimed there was a score to settle regarding the Karur incident and accused the previous DMK government of causing the tragedy.

The plea requested the CBI to take action against Arjuna's comments, asserting they could influence witnesses and obstruct the investigation.

The petition argued that direct engagement with key witnesses by political figures while distributing benefits related to the incident could jeopardize the investigation's fairness.

On October 13 of the previous year, the Supreme Court mandated a CBI investigation into the Karur stampede, which resulted in 41 fatalities during a TVK rally on September 27, stating that the incident warranted a thorough and impartial inquiry.

Following a request from Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for an independent investigation, the Supreme Court established a three-member supervisory committee led by former apex court judge Ajay Rastogi to oversee the CBI's work.

Earlier reports indicated that the rally attracted approximately 27,000 attendees—nearly three times the anticipated 10,000—blaming a seven-hour delay in Vijay's arrival for the disaster.