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Court not political forum: SC rejects DMK plea against Vijay in Karur stampede row

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a plea filed by the DMK seeking to restrain Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and other TVK leaders from making public statements or interacting with families of those killed in the September 2025 Karur stampede . A bench of Justice KV Viswanathan and Justice Alok Aradhe observed that the apex court should not be turned into a "political forum" and questioned the very basis of the application, noting that it had itself ordered a CBI probe into the case. "How does the Supreme Court , which has itself directed a CBI probe in the matter, accept the plea of a political rival?" the bench asked. In its plea, the former ruling party sought action against remarks allegedly made by TVK minister Aadhav Arjuna, claiming that they could influence witnesses and impede the CBI probe into the Karur stampede , which claimed 41 lives during a party event. It also urged the court to restrain Vijay from interacting with victims' families during his proposed July 10 visit to Karur, where he is scheduled to distribute government benefits, including compassionate appointments and financial assistance. The CBI investigation is being monitored by a three-member supervisory committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, in accordance with the Court's October 2025 directions. The bench, however, questioned the argument, and said, "Today, hypothetically, if an executive head is going to distribute what is already promised, how will it influence victims?" When senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the DMK , argued that the concern was not merely about the executive but that "he is also the accused", the respondent's counsel clarified that the Chief Minister was not named as an accused in either of the FIRs. "Please check, the ministers are the accused, not the Chief Minister," the court added. While strongly disapproving of the petition, the bench further cautioned the petitioner against pursuing the application. The Supreme Court dismissed them as withdrawn.