Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 17: The Madras High Court is set to hear a petition on Friday seeking to include actor and Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay as an accused in the Karur stampede case. The petition also calls for more stringent charges, including death by negligence, endangering life, and violations under the Juvenile Justice and Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Acts.

The stampede in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, last month claimed 41 lives. Authorities have stated that the incident occurred after Vijay arrived several hours late at the event, though the TVK has maintained that mismanagement was to blame and alleged a political vendetta.

Filed by advocate C. Selvakumar before the Madurai bench and listed before Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava’s bench in Chennai, the petition alleges gross negligence and legal violations by Vijay and the TVK during the rally. It claims organisers unlawfully mobilised thousands, including minors and pregnant women, violating citizens’ fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The plea cites Supreme Court judgments holding political leaders accountable for compensation in such cases. It also seeks directives for the Election Commission to consider derecognising the TVK ahead of next year’s Assembly elections and for police to halt permissions for rallies or roadshows until the matter is resolved.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had ordered a CBI inquiry monitored by a retired judge. A team of investigators has already reached Karur and is expected to take over the case imminently.