Madras HC Quashes Government Job Orders for Karur Stampede Victims' Families
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court struck down Tamil Nadu government orders granting jobs to family members of Karur stampede victims. A Division Bench of Justices C.V. Karthikeyan and R. Sakthivel allowed public interest litigation petitions challenging the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led government's decision. The court ruled that these appointments violated Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution, which ensure equality. It stated that while the government termed it a humane gesture, it overlooked existing waitlists for compassionate grounds and that executive power must remain within constitutional confines to prevent chaos.
Key Points
- The Madras High Court struck down government orders granting jobs to kin of Karur stampede victims, citing violations of constitutional principles.
- The court emphasized that appointments on compassionate grounds must adhere to specific guidelines and not bypass existing waitlists.
- It ruled that the government's executive power, under Article 162, must operate within the confines of the Constitution to ensure fairness.
- The Bench warned that such grants would open "floodgates" for similar demands from victims of other incidents like fireworks or road accidents.
Exam Facts
- The Madurai Bench comprised Justices C.V. Karthikeyan and R. Sakthivel.
- The stampede occurred in September last year during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam roadshow.
- The court cited Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution regarding equality.
- The State argued its executive powers under Article 162 of the Constitution.
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