The Madras High Court on Friday turned down multiple petitions seeking a court-monitored or CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe into the Karur stampede, which claimed at least 39 lives during a rally organized by the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).

A two-judge bench from the Madurai division, led by Justices M. Dhandapani and M. Jothiraman, also dismissed pleas that sought to bar further rallies by actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, TVK.  The bench observed that the state’s inquiry commission is still in its early stages and held that judicial interference is premature at this point.

One Public Interest Litigation (PIL) had called for the establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for political rallies. The court declined to entertain it further, noting that the principal bench has already directed the government to frame such SOPs. Petitioners, however, were permitted to file impleading applications before the principal bench.