Madras High Court Rejects CBI Probe in Deadly Vijay Rally Stampede: New Safety Guidelines Issued

Madurai:

The Madras High Court has issued an order stipulating that public rallies must not be conducted near highways and should provide essential amenities such as drinking water and toilets. This directive came as the court disposed of petitions connected to the fatal stampede at South Indian film star Vijay's political rally in Karur last week.

Justice M Dhandapani and Justice M Jothiraman of the Madurai bench delivered this interim order six days after the tragic incident that claimed 41 lives, including 10 children.

The court rejected a petition filed by ML Ravi of Desiya Makkal Sathi Katchi requesting a CBI investigation into the stampede. The judges highlighted that the petitioner was a politician and emphasized that the courtroom should not be transformed into a political battleground. They noted that the petitioner had no relation to the victims and that investigations were still in preliminary stages.

Another petition seeking CBI intervention was also dismissed as inadmissible by the court.

Regarding petitions demanding compensation for victims, the court issued notices to both the Tamil Nadu government and Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, requiring responses within two weeks.

Vijay's political organization has already committed to providing Rs 20 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for those injured. The Tamil Nadu government has separately announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to families who lost members in the tragedy.

The court also addressed pleas for establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for public gatherings, noting it had already instructed the state government to develop these guidelines. State authorities informed that until such SOPs are formulated, no political organization will receive permission to hold public meetings at non-designated locations.

"This restriction will not impact gatherings by political parties at designated venues," clarified the bench.

During proceedings, the High Court made strong observations regarding the MK Stalin administration. Emphasizing public safety as paramount, the court asserted that protecting citizens' lives falls under state responsibility, and basic facilities should have been guaranteed.

The interim directive specified that such rallies should be organized near state or national highways, and necessities including drinking water, ambulance services, toilet facilities, and clear exit routes must be provided for attendees.

The September 27 stampede resulted in at least 41 fatalities. Police reports indicated attendance of 27,000 people, nearly triple the expected 10,000 participants. Law enforcement also attributed the disaster to Vijay's seven-hour delay.

The incident sparked political accusations, with Vijay claiming Chief Minister MK Stalin was engaging in vendetta politics. The DMK responded by insisting the actor must take accountability for the deaths as he violated established regulations.