Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into Karur Stampede Case
Apex Court Steps In for Justice
The Supreme Court of India on October 13, 2025, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe into the Karur stampede tragedy that claimed 41 lives and left more than 100 injured during a rally organised by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Citing concerns over impartiality, the apex court transferred the case from the Tamil Nadu Police and the High Court-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI. The decision came after senior local police officers made public remarks that, according to the court, “undermined public confidence in a fair probe.”
Upholding Citizens’ Right to Fair Investigation
The Supreme Court bench underlined that a fair, unbiased investigation is a fundamental right, forming part of the right to life and liberty guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
Highlighting the political undertones of the incident, the Court stressed the need to restore public trust in the criminal justice system. It asserted that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
Justice Ajay Rastogi to Lead Supervision Committee
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Court established a three-member supervisory committee led by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice Ajay Rastogi.
The committee will include two senior IPS officers from the Tamil Nadu cadre, neither of whom are natives of the state, to maintain neutrality.
The Court also ordered the immediate handover of all case files, digital evidence, and materials collected by the Tamil Nadu Police and SIT to the CBI.
CBI’s Jurisdiction: Supreme Court Overrides State Objection
Interestingly, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier withdrawn general consent to the CBI, requiring the agency to seek state approval before conducting any probe within the state.
Despite this, the Supreme Court held that in exceptional cases — where issues of national importance or fairness are at stake — the CBI can proceed without state consent.
The Tamil Nadu government’s objection, based on state sovereignty, was therefore set aside by the Court to prioritise the victims’ right to justice.
TVK’s Demand for Independent Probe
The demand for a CBI investigation was first raised by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which alleged bias and obstruction by state authorities.
While the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench had earlier refused to order a CBI probe, petitions before the Supreme Court eventually led to this landmark intervention.
By granting a CBI investigation, the Court sought to ensure credibility, support the victims’ families, and restore public faith in the justice system.
Landmark Move to Protect the Rule of Law
This historic verdict underscores the judiciary’s role in protecting the rule of law when state agencies face allegations of partiality.
The Court’s message was clear — no citizen should lose faith in the justice system, and a fair investigation is the cornerstone of democracy.
The Karur stampede CBI probe now stands as a test of institutional integrity and the Supreme Court’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for all.
