The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Madras High Court’s order which had struck down the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to provide government employment to eligible family members of persons who died in the Karur stampede.

The matter came before a Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice K Vinod Chandran challenging the High Court’s decision. The Madras High Court had questioned the legality of extending government appointments to the relatives of the stampede victims, leading to a challenge before the Supreme Court. The State’s decision had been intended as relief for families who lost members in the tragedy.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the premise behind interfering with such appointments, asking: “Shouldn’t government give employment?”

The Court has consequently issued notice and stayed the operation of the Madras High Court judgment.