Madras HC Allows Temporary Jobs for Karur Stampede Victims' Families

On Monday, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ruled that the Tamil Nadu government can provide temporary jobs to the families of the Karur stampede victims. The court's decision allowed Chief Minister Vijay to proceed with handing over compassionate appointment orders to the affected families at an event in Karur.

The ruling came during a hearing for petitions that sought to restrain the state government from issuing these compassionate appointments. The petitions were filed by Theeran Thirumurugan of the Naam Tamilar Katchi and advocate Seeni Ahmed, who both sought an immediate stay on the government's decision.

In their petitions, Thirumurugan and Ahmed argued that a CBI probe into the Karur stampede is currently being conducted under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court. They expressed concern that granting government jobs before the investigation is completed could affect the integrity of the probe and potentially influence key witnesses.

Furthermore, the petitioners contended that the families of individuals who died in several other incidents across Tamil Nadu had not been offered government jobs. They argued that extending this specific benefit to the Karur victims' families would set an incorrect precedent. Based on these arguments, they urged the court to restrain the government from making any appointments until the CBI finishes its investigation.

However, the High Court Bench questioned the objections raised by the petitioners during the hearing. The court observed that the families of those who died in the stampede are in need of financial assistance.

"What is wrong with providing government jobs to the families of those who died in the Karur stampede? They need financial assistance. The court does not wish to interfere with the government's policy decisions," the Bench stated.

Despite this observation, the court ruled that the government may only provide temporary jobs to the families until a final verdict is delivered on the matter.

Additionally, the court took independent action to implead the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) as a party to the legal proceedings. The court then adjourned the case, with the next hearing scheduled for July 21.