The Madras High Court (HC) on Monday struck down Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) Vijay-government led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) decision to grant public employment to the next kin of the ones killed in the Karur stampede. The HC ruled that the move violated the constitutional principles of equality in public employment. 

The court noted that offering government jobs as compensation in such circumstances contravenes Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 16 (Equality of Opportunity in Matters of Public Employment) of the Indian Constitution. It further warned that permitting such appointments would open the ‘floodgates’ for similar claims in the tragedies that unfold in the future. 

“Public jobs cannot be granted outside constitutional framework”: HC

The HC underlined in its observations that government jobs must be awarded strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and established recruitment procedures, rather than as a form of compensation. 

The ruling came months after the TVK, the ruling government in Tamil Nadu, issued appointment on compassionate grounds to the legal heirs of the victims who lost their lives in the Karur stampede, terming the measure a part of its relief and rehabilitation package aimed at providing financial security to bereaved families. 

However, the HC held that such appointments cannot override the constitutional guarantee of equal opportunity for all eligible candidates seeking government employment.

41 died in Karur stampede

For the unversed, the Karur stampede ensued in September 2025, during a rally being addressed by actor-turned-politician Vijay. A total of 41 people, including several children, lost their lives in the stampede while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was in power in the South-Indian state.

Police had alleged that Vijay’s delayed arrival at the venue caused the crowd to swell beyond the permitted capacity. The investigating police personnel also pointed out several lapses in the event’s arrangements including inadequate drinking water, food and toilet facilities. 

The TVK denied the allegations and maintained that the incident stemmed from police failure and accused former DMK Minister Senthil Balaji of orchestrating a conspiracy. Meanwhile, Balaji too denied the charges levelled against him. 

CBI probe into stampede underway

In October 2025, the Supreme Court transferred the probe from the state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), emphasising the need for an independent and a fair inquiry. 

The CBI is examining multiple aspects of the incident, including crowd management arrangements, the sequence of Vijay’s arrival at the venue, and the coordination between party organisers and local authorities. 

Earlier this month, CM Vijay handed over compassionate appointment letters to 32 heirs of the victims as part of the government’s rehabilitation move. It was aimed at providing long-term financial support to families upended due to the tragedy. 

Opposition welcomes HC’s verdict

The HC’s verdict went down well with the political leaders of opposition in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, the opposition, particularly the AIADMK, had slammed the TVK government’s decision. Senior AIADMK leader RB Udhayakumar termed the move a betrayal of lakhs of unemployed youth waiting for government jobs through the regular recruitment process. 

He contended that all appointments to government posts in the state must be made strictly through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC).