SC orders court-monitored CBI probe into TVK rally tragedy, jolts Tamil Nadu govt

The order has come as a setback for the DMK-led state government, which had blamed TVK for the tragedy and appointed a judicial commission.

The court’s critical remarks against the Madras High Court’s decision to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) have also raised questions of propriety and judicial discipline.

In its interim order on Monday, a two-judge Supreme Court bench ruled that an independent probe was necessary “to allay concerns and ensure impartiality.”

The CBI probe will be monitored by a three-member committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi.

The top court was hearing petitions, including one by TVK, challenging the High Court’s order. TVK had argued that the SIT was formed without hearing Vijay or other party leaders, violating principles of natural justice.

The Supreme Court agreed that the single-judge decision “lacked sensitivity and propriety,” pointing out that a related case was already pending before the Madurai bench, which had jurisdiction over Karur, where the tragedy occurred.

The ruling offers TVK a strong political defence against the DMK’s offensive. Until the CBI concludes its probe, Vijay can argue that the state police’s findings were biased.

The tragedy had initially given Chief Minister MK Stalin and the DMK ammunition to target TVK, accusing the fledgling party of negligence and mismanagement.

Party leaders claimed that basic amenities, including drinking water, were missing at the rally and that Vijay fled the scene after the chaos.

Vijay and his team had largely stayed defensive, with the AIADMK and BJP stepping in to back him and blaming the state government for the mishap.

However, following the Supreme Court order, TVK issued its first open statement welcoming the decision, signalling a potential shift in political momentum.

For the DMK, the CBI probe removes control over the investigation and the narrative. Interestingly, despite DMK’s allegations, victims’ families and Vijay’s fans have not publicly held the actor responsible.

However, the probe remains a double-edged sword for Vijay. Should the CBI find lapses on TVK’s part, the damage could be severe, especially since the party is positioned against both DMK and BJP.

Conversely, if the probe absolves TVK, it could catapult Vijay’s political credibility ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

While the BJP has welcomed the CBI probe, the DMK has questioned whether it would be politically weaponised.

Meanwhile, AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has hinted at openness to aligning with TVK, a politically tricky proposition, given that neither EPS nor Vijay would want to concede the Chief Ministerial face.

Vijay, with his strong minority support base, also faces the challenge of being seen too close to the BJP- an association that could hurt his appeal.