Supreme Court rejects DMK plea over alleged witness influence in Karur stampede

The Supreme Court scheduled an urgent hearing on a petition filed by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alleging that Tamil Nadu ministers, now members of the state cabinet, were attempting to influence witnesses in the Karur stampede case. The bench, comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Sheel Nagu, listed the matter for a hearing on July 7‑8, 2026.

The DMK sought directions to restrain Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna and other officials from making public statements, distributing ₹10 lakh ex‑gratia compensation, or issuing compassionate appointments to families of the victims while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe—ordered by the Court after the 2025 tragedy that killed 41 people and injured more than 140—remains ongoing.

During the hearing the Court questioned how it could regulate the chief minister’s visit to Karur scheduled for July 10 and noted that the CM is not an accused. Justices asked whether the Court could “make this court a political forum.” The plea was withdrawn by the DMK and dismissed, with the Court warning “Don’t make this court a political forum.” The matter now lies with the CBI‑monitored supervisory committee headed by former Justice Ajay Rastogi.