The Madras High Court further criticised the state government and police for failing to take action on accidents caused by Vijay’s vehicle. Court also asked for CCTV footage from Vijay’s campaign vehicle to be seized.
Published Oct 04, 2025 | 1:29 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 04, 2025 | 1:32 PM
Madras High Court. (Wikimedia Commons)
Synopsis: Slamming the TVK for neither taking responsibility for the mishap, nor expressing remorse, the court order said, “Regrettably, there has been no statement, no expression of responsibility from the political party viz., Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam regarding the occurrence, either in their official twitter account or in other social media regretting the stampede that has taken place. There is no communication in any form or in any manner regretting the incident. This omission reflects the political party’s disregard for human life and public accountability”
The Madras High Court on Friday, 3 October, while hearing a petition seeking guidelines for regulating political roadshows and public meetings in Tamil Nadu to prevent tragedies like the Karur stampede, condemned TVK chief actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party members’ conduct, for fleeing from the tragedy site, immediately after the mishap occurred.
The court order further added, “While this Court is aware that the political party has not been arrayed as a respondent, it is important to point out that it is incumbent upon such a party to have taken immediate steps to rescue and assist individuals caught in the stampede like situation arising from the massive crowd in which many children, women, and several young person tragically lost their lives.”
Slamming the TVK for neither taking responsibility for the mishap, nor expressing remorse, the court order said, “Regrettably, there has been no statement, no expression of responsibility from the political party viz., Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam regarding the occurrence, either in their official twitter account or in other social media regretting the stampede that has taken place. There is no communication in any form or in any manner regretting the incident. This omission reflects the political party’s disregard for human life and public accountability”
Noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have condoled the incident, and at the state level, Chief Minister MK Stalin, Opposition leader, and other political leaders have visited the victims, and participated in the rescue process.
“When that being the situation, it is really sad that Mr.Vijay, the leader and the members of his political party which organised the meeting fled the scene of occurrence,” the court added.
The court further criticised the state government and police for failing to take action.
The order further took note of two accidents that took place during the rally, involving the bus carrying Vijay.
Referring to the video presented by the petitioners, the court said, “clearly shows that the bus carrying Mr.Vijay, the leader of the political party was involved in an accident. In the footage, it is visibly evident that two motorcycles were involved in the accident, and that the driver of the bus, having seen the accident, fled from the scene. Similarly, another accident on the rear end of the bus is also seen in a videograph which is witnessed by the person seated on the front left side of the bus.”
“In both instances, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by the respondent police for the offences of hit and run,” they added.
The court order further read: “This Court expresses its deep anguish and concern over the failure of the authorities to take action. Even in the absence of a formal complaint from the aggrieved parties, it is the duty of the State to register a suo motu FIR and ensure that the accused face trial in accordance with law.”
However, when specifically questioned by the court, the state noted that a case had been registered on 27 September, for offences under Sections 105, 110, 125(b), and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992.
They added that pursuant to the registration of the FIR, the first accused, who is the District Secretary, was arrested on 29 September, and one Pavunraj was remanded on 30 September.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
