Madras: The Karur stampede victims jobs case took a significant turn after the Supreme Court stayed a Madras High Court ruling that had struck down the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to provide government jobs to family members of those who died in the Karur stampede. The top court also issued notice on the State government’s appeal and questioned why employment assistance should not be considered as part of relief measures for affected families.
Karur Stampede Case: Supreme Court Questions High Court’s Decision
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard the matter on Friday. The bench questioned the basis of preventing the Tamil Nadu government from offering jobs to the families of victims who lost their lives in the tragic stampede.
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The court observed that the government had already decided to compensate the affected families and asked why it could not take an additional step by providing employment support.
Karur Stampede Case: Relief Measures for Affected Families
The Supreme Court noted that in many cases, the deceased may have been the sole earning member of the family. The judges indicated that providing employment to an eligible family member could be viewed as a rehabilitation and relief measure rather than a regular public recruitment process.
What the Madras High Court Had Ruled
On July 27, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court quashed the Tamil Nadu government’s orders granting government jobs to the kin of Karur stampede victims.
The High Court held that such appointments could not be sustained under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality and equal opportunity in public employment. The court also observed that many people were already waiting for compassionate appointments in government departments.
Background of the Karur Stampede Case
The dispute arose after the Tamil Nadu government decided to provide government jobs to eligible family members of those killed in the September 2025 Karur stampede.
The government treated these appointments as part of its relief and rehabilitation package for the affected families. Earlier, on July 10, the High Court had temporarily allowed the appointments to proceed, subject to the final outcome of the legal challenge.
Karur Stampede Case: Constitutional Questions Raised
The case raises important questions about the balance between humanitarian relief and constitutional principles governing public employment. While the State government argues that the appointments are part of compensation and rehabilitation efforts, opponents contend that public jobs must comply with constitutional requirements and established recruitment norms.
State Government Challenges High Court Order
The Tamil Nadu government approached the Supreme Court seeking relief against the High Court judgment. Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the State along with a team of advocates. Senior Advocate Arundhati Katju represented the families affected by the Karur stampede.
