Supreme Court Stays Karur Jobs Verdict
The Supreme Court has stayed a Madras High Court judgment that struck down the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to provide government jobs to eligible family members of those killed in the 2025 Karur stampede. The top court also issued notice on the State government’s challenge to the High Court ruling.
Supreme Court Stays Karur Jobs Verdict
A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran questioned why the government should be prevented from providing employment as relief to families affected by a major tragedy.
The court observed that if a deceased person was the sole earning member of a family, employment for an eligible son, daughter or spouse could provide meaningful financial support.
The stay means the Madras High Court judgment will not operate while the Supreme Court considers the State’s appeal.
Madras High Court Had Quashed Appointments
On July 27, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court quashed the government orders granting jobs to victims’ relatives.
The High Court held that public employment must comply with the equality requirements under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution and expressed concern that creating a special category could disadvantage others awaiting compassionate appointments.
Tamil Nadu Defends Compassionate Jobs
The Tamil Nadu government argued that the appointments formed part of its relief and rehabilitation policy and were made using its executive powers under Article 162.
The dispute concerns jobs offered to eligible relatives of people killed in the September 2025 Karur stampede.
The Supreme Court’s interim stay keeps the appointments protected while the constitutional and policy issues are examined further.
