The Madras High Court has expressed strong disapproval of actor Vijay's actions following a stampede at a rally organized by his party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), in Karur on September 27, 2025. The court criticized Vijay for allegedly "vanishing" from the scene after the incident that resulted in the deaths of 41 people, including women and children.

Justice N. Senthilkumar, presiding over the case, remarked that Vijay's disappearance reflected poorly on his leadership qualities. The court also strongly condemned TVK for flouting the conditions set for the event. It was noted that the organizers failed to take responsibility for the safety of the attendees. The court further questioned why criminal cases weren't registered against those responsible for accidents involving two-wheelers carrying Vijay's fans and his campaign vehicle during the roadshow.

The Madras High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the stampede. The SIT will be headed by Asra Garg, Inspector General of Police, North Zone, Tamil Nadu. The court has directed the SIT to commence investigations immediately. The court stated it could not ignore the failure of the state to protect its citizens during a political event.

The court also scrutinized the Tamil Nadu government for its seemingly lenient approach towards Vijay and the TVK. It questioned the absence of Vijay's name in the First Information Report (FIR), which included only the names of TVK's Karur district secretary, Madhiazhagan, along with Anand and Nirmal Kumar. The court has also denied anticipatory bail to TVK office bearers Bussy Anand and CTR Nirmal Kumar.

During the hearing regarding the anticipatory bail, the state argued that the stampede was triggered by the conduct of the party's cadre and said the leaders had behaved irresponsibly. The Additional Advocate General stated that FIRs had been registered in connection with the stampede and the deaths of 41 people.

The incident occurred at Velusamypuram in Karur during a roadshow organized by TVK. TVK had obtained permission for a gathering of 10,000 people, but estimates suggest that the crowd size was three times larger. Vijay's delayed arrival, with his motorcade reaching the venue six hours late, further contributed to the chaos.

The court also pointed out the chaotic scenes of Vijay's fans dangerously chasing his vehicle and questioned why no case was filed regarding the two-wheelers caught under his campaign bus. The government counsel stated that TVK misled the public by announcing that Vijay would address the rally at 12 pm, even though permission was granted only for between 3 pm and 10 pm.

Political analysts suggest the Karur stampede has significantly impacted Vijay's nascent political career and that his response to the crisis will be crucial in determining his future in Tamil Nadu politics.