CHENNAI: In a setback to the C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government, the

Madras high court's Madurai Bench on Monday set aside the state government's order providing government jobs to relatives of those who died in the Karur stampede, holding that the appointments violated Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution and could open the "floodgates" for others to seek similar employment after tragedies.

According to news agency PTI, a division bench comprising Justices CV Karthikeyan and Justice R Sakthivel held that the government order was in direct violation of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The court said it was not appropriate to overlook the claims of people already waiting for compassionate appointments in government departments.

"When there is a waiting list, it is not appropriate to overlook their needs and extend what is termed as succor to family members of the Karur incident. We hold that these appointments are in direct violation of the guarantee to a citizen of this country under Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution," the Bench said, according to PTI.

The court also observed that the exercise of executive power must remain within constitutional limits. It noted that in cases involving deaths in other incidents, including accidents at firework units and motor vehicle accidents, the families of victims are generally provided ex-gratia assistance rather than government employment on compassionate grounds.

Why did HC strike down the government order?

• Violation of Articles 14 and 16:The bench held that granting government jobs specifically to relatives of the Karur stampede victims violated the constitutional guarantees of equality before law and equal opportunity in public employment.
• Existing waiting list:The court said it would be inappropriate to overlook people who were already waiting for compassionate appointments in government departments and provide jobs to the relatives of those killed in the stampede.
• Executive power has constitutional limits:The court emphasised that the government's executive powers cannot be exercised in a manner that breaches constitutional guarantees.
• Risk of opening 'floodgates':The court said the decision to provide government jobs to the victims' relatives could open "floodgates" for others affected by different tragedies to seek similar appointments.
• Different treatment from other victims:The court pointed to deaths in incidents such as firework-unit accidents and road accidents, where families are provided ex-gratia assistance but not government jobs on compassionate grounds.
• Alternative support suggested:Instead of government employment, the court suggested that the state could consider funding technical courses and entrepreneurship training for eligible members of the victims' families.

The Karur stampede occurred on September 27, 2025, during a rally organised by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay in which 41 people died and more than 60 others were injured in the incident.

The government later decided to provide employment to relatives of those who died in the stampede. On July 10, CM Vijay distributed appointment orders to 31 people who were relatives of the victims.

The Madras high court's latest ruling has now set aside that government order, bringing the state's decision to provide government jobs to the families of the Karur stampede victims under judicial scrutiny.

(With agency inputs)