“You want us to regulate Chief Minister’s visits?” Supreme Court rap for DMK on plea against Vijay’s Karur travel
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a petition filed by the DMK seeking restrictions on public statements by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and other leaders of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in connection with the September 2025 Karur stampede.
A Bench comprising Justices K.V. Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe questioned the maintainability of the plea, observing that the Court should not become a platform for resolving political disputes. The judges pointed out that the Supreme Court had already ordered a CBI investigation into the incident and asked how it could regulate the Chief Minister’s official engagements.
The DMK argued that statements allegedly made by TVK minister Aadhav Arjuna could influence witnesses and interfere with the ongoing investigation. It also requested that Vijay be prevented from meeting families of the victims during his scheduled July 10 visit to Karur, where he is expected to distribute financial assistance and compassionate appointments announced by the government.
The Court noted that the CBI investigation is already under the supervision of a three-member committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, as directed in October 2025.
The Bench questioned how a government programme involving the distribution of already-promised benefits could prejudice the investigation. When the petitioner’s counsel argued that the Chief Minister was also an accused, the respondents clarified that Vijay was not named in either of the FIRs, adding that only certain ministers were facing allegations.
The judges advised the petitioner against pursuing the application, warning that an adverse order could have wider legal consequences. Following these observations, the DMK sought permission to withdraw the plea and pursue other legal remedies. The Supreme Court dismissed the application as withdrawn.