Karur Stampede: Madras HC Allows Temporary Govt Jobs for Victims' Families
Chief Minister Vijay is scheduled to hand over compassionate appointment orders to the families of those who died in the Karur stampede at an event in Karur later today
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday said temporary government jobs may be provided to the families of those who died in the Karur stampede, while hearing petitions seeking to restrain the Tamil Nadu government from issuing compassionate appointments.
Chief Minister Vijay is scheduled to hand over compassionate appointment orders to the families of those who died in the Karur stampede at an event in Karur later today.
The petitions were filed by Naam Tamilar Katchi's Theeran Thirumurugan and advocate Seeni Ahmed, who sought a stay on the government's decision to provide government jobs to the victims' families. They argued that a CBI probe into the Karur incident is currently being conducted under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court, and that granting government jobs before the investigation is completed could affect the probe and potentially influence witnesses.
The petitioners also contended that families of those who died in several other incidents across Tamil Nadu had not been given government jobs, and that extending the benefit in the Karur case would set a wrong precedent. They urged the court to restrain the government from making the appointments until the CBI investigation is completed.
During the hearing, the Bench observed, "What is wrong with providing government jobs to the families of those who died in the Karur stampede? They need financial assistance. The court does not wish to interfere with the government's policy decisions." However, the court said that only temporary government jobs may be provided until it delivers its final verdict.
The court adjourned the case to July 21. It also, on its own, impleaded the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) as a party to the proceedings.