The Madras High Court on Friday permitted the Tamil Nadu government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to proceed with issuing government job appointment letters to the families of those who lost their lives in the 2025 Karur stampede. However, the court clarified that the appointments would remain temporary and would ultimately depend on the outcome of the pending legal proceedings.
The ruling allowed the state government to continue with its scheduled public programme to distribute appointment letters while ensuring that the legality of the decision remains open for judicial examination.
Court Allows Function but Imposes Key Condition
A Division Bench comprising Justices C.V. Karthikeyan and R. Sakthivel observed that courts should ordinarily refrain from interfering in government policy decisions unless there are compelling constitutional grounds.
While allowing the appointments to move forward, the Bench directed that the beneficiaries would be appointed only on a temporary basis.
According to the court, “It would be extremely narrow for the court to interfere with a policy decision of the government. The state shall thus proceed with the function on the condition that employment would be on a temporary basis, subject to judicial review. We intend to hear the matter by the end of this month, before the prospective appointees receive their first salary.”
TNPSC Asked to Explain Rules
The High Court also suo motu impleaded the Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) as a party to the proceedings.
The Commission has been directed to submit a report explaining the rules governing compassionate appointments and whether those norms were followed while granting jobs to the families affected by the Karur tragedy.
Petitioner Challenges Government Decision
The observations came while the court was hearing a petition filed by Madurai-based advocate Theeran Thirumurugan, who questioned the legality of the state’s decision to provide government employment to the families of the 41 people who died in the Karur stampede.
The petitioner sought a stay on the appointments until all proceedings relating to the tragedy pending before the Supreme Court are concluded.
He argued that there is no uniform policy allowing permanent government jobs in such incidents and claimed the move could violate the constitutional guarantees of equality and equal opportunity in public employment under Articles 14 and 16.
The petition further stated that public employment should remain open to all eligible candidates and contended that granting appointments without a defined legal framework was arbitrary.
State Defends Decision
During the hearing, the Tamil Nadu government informed the court that a similar challenge raised before the Supreme Court had already been withdrawn.
The state also referred to an earlier decision in which government jobs were provided to the families of those who died in the Thoothukudi police firing.
However, the High Court observed that the two incidents could not be treated alike, noting that the Thoothukudi case involved alleged state action, whereas the Karur stampede arose under different circumstances.
Background of the Karur Stampede
The Karur stampede occurred in September 2025, claiming the lives of 41 people.
Following the tragedy, the Tamil Nadu government announced financial assistance and promised government jobs to eligible family members of the deceased.
While the appointment process has now been allowed to continue, the final validity of those appointments will depend on the outcome of the ongoing judicial proceedings.
FAQs
What did the Madras High Court decide?
The court allowed the Tamil Nadu government to issue appointment letters but ruled that the jobs will remain temporary until the legal challenge is decided.
Why are the appointments under judicial review?
A petition has challenged the legality of granting government jobs to the families of Karur stampede victims, alleging the move violates constitutional principles governing public employment.
How many people died in the Karur stampede?
The September 2025 Karur stampede claimed 41 lives.
Why has the TNPSC been made a party?
The High Court directed the TNPSC to explain the rules governing compassionate appointments and whether they were followed in this case.
Has the High Court upheld the government’s policy?
The court has not delivered a final verdict. It has only allowed temporary appointments while the constitutional challenge remains pending.
