DMK Withdraws Plea from Supreme Court Over Karur Stampede Case
In a significant development, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has retracted its petition from the Supreme Court regarding the tragic stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, which resulted in 41 fatalities and numerous injuries in 2025. The party initially sought to join the case to prevent TVK ministers from making public statements or distributing welfare benefits to victims’ families, fearing these actions might compromise the investigation’s integrity.
The DMK’s plea specifically pointed to remarks by TVK minister Aadhav Arjuna, which allegedly cast blame on the DMK for the stampede. However, during a hearing, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices KV Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe, questioned the appropriateness of involving the Court in what appeared to be politically motivated disputes.
Supreme Court’s Reservations on Political Nature of Plea
Justice Viswanathan remarked on the political undertones of the plea, emphasizing the need for the Court to focus on judicial, not political matters. He stated, “How does the Supreme Court get an impleadment of a political rival? There are 41 people who have died. Is this a very thought of application? What is the sequitur? Just pause and think… Today to make this court a political fora… instead of fighting your battles outside.”
The bench advised the DMK to reconsider pressing the application in this forum, highlighting potential unforeseen implications.
DMK’s Response and Withdrawal of Plea
In response, DMK’s counsel, led by Senior Advocate Ranjit Kumar, decided to withdraw the application but urged the Court to recognize the statements made by TVK figures. Ranjit Kumar stated, “We will withdraw it. But we can bring it with the notice of the committee. This statement may be recorded.” Consequently, the Court allowed the application to be withdrawn without prejudice.
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Background of the Karur Stampede Case
The stampede occurred on September 27, 2025, during a rally organized by TVK, leading to the Supreme Court transferring the investigation from the Tamil Nadu Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A three-member committee, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, was appointed to oversee the investigation. The now-withdrawn application was filed by RS Bharathi, DMK’s organizing secretary, seeking to prevent Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK leader C Joseph Vijay, along with other TVK officials, from making public comments about the ongoing investigation.
The DMK expressed concerns over welfare measures being offered to the victims’ families, fearing these could interfere with witness testimonies, as some beneficiaries might be key witnesses in the investigation. The party underscored its lack of opposition to welfare initiatives but stressed the need for proper safeguards to ensure the probe’s impartiality.
Senior Advocates Neeraj Kishan Kaul, Menaka Guruswamy, and others represented the TVK in this contentious legal battle.
