The High Court passed the judgment on petitions challenging the government’s decision to offer employment to the families of the 41 persons who died in the September 2025 stampede at a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur.
The tragedy is presently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
After the TVK led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay came to power following the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections held in April 2026, the State decided to give jobs to the kin of those who died in the stampede.
The petitions before the High Court argued that compassionate appointments are ordinarily governed by strict rules applicable to the dependants of government employees who die while in service.
It was also argued that the families had already received ex gratia compensation and granting employment while the CBI investigation was pending, could influence material witnesses.