Karur Stampede | Plea In Madras High Court Calls For Deregistration Of Vijay's TVK Party For Misconduct

A petition has been filed in the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court seeking derecognition/ deregistration of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam following the recent stampede that occurred in Karur during the party's political rally. 

The petitioner, an advocate practicing before the Madurai bench argued that during the political rally that took place in Karur on 27th September, a large number of people, including children, infants, women and elderly persons had gathered in a congested venue and due to the gross negligence, mismanagement, and violation of lawful permissions, 40 people had died and many had been injured. It has been stated that the organisers of the meeting had grossly violated the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 21 and 21A of the Constitution, along with Directive Principles under Articles 39(e) and 39(f).

It has also been submitted that other provisions of law under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and the Representation of People Act has also been violated by the organisers. 

It was also submitted that the party has flouted the guidelines issued by the Bombay High Court in the decision of Chetan Bharatkumar Dhakan v. State of Maharashtra, which had held that minors should not be used in election campaigns and had directed the Election Commission of India to frame strict guidelines against the same. 

The petitioner has also submitted that despite the legal provisions, the organisers had fsiled to prevent the participation of minors, women, and vulnerable persons in the meeting, thereby causing death by negligence under Section 304A of the IPC and acts endangering public life under Section 336, 337, and 338 of the IPC. 

Thus, the petitioner has sought directions to the Election Commission of India to derecognise the party or deregister the party for its electoral misconduct and violation of fundamental rights and to strictoy enforce the prohibition on use of children in political rallies and campaigns. The plea also asks for direction to actor Vijay to pay a minimum of Rs. 1 crore each to the families of the persons who lost life during the stampede.