Author: Meena Iyer

Madras High Court Constitutes SIT to Investigate Karur Stampede; Declines CBI Probe Pleas; State Government to Restrict Political Meetings Until SOP Is Finalized.

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Madras High Court formed a Special Investigation Team led by IG Asra Garg to probe the Karur stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s TVK rally on Sept 27 that killed 41 people. The court faulted TVK’s leadership for poor planning and lack of remorse, ordered Karur police to hand over records, and dismissed CBI probe petitions. Tamil Nadu will not allow highway rallies until SOPs are set; essential facilities and crowd-management measures must be provided. Multiple FIRs have been filed and compensation was announced for victims’ families.

Madras High Court Slams 7-Year Closure of Mariamman Temple Over Caste Tensions: Asserts Fundamental Right to Worship Cannot Be Suspended

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The Madras High Court condemned the seven-year closure of the Arulmighu Mariamman Temple in Karur, calling it a “dereliction of constitutional duty.” The temple had been shut due to caste tensions, denying Scheduled Caste devotees access. Justice B. Pugalendhi ruled that citing law and order concerns cannot justify violating Articles 14 and 25, which guarantee equality and religious freedom. The court criticized police and district officials for failing to find constitutional solutions and directed the HR&CE Department to act under Section 64 to ensure fair access. It warned that caste-based denial of entry would invite strict legal action.

Supreme Court Embraces AI for Enhanced Case Management and Efficiency

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The Supreme Court is using AI and ML to modernise case management. Tools provide real-time transcription (for Constitution Bench hearings), translate judgments into 18 Indian languages, and detect filing defects with IIT Madras. Prototypes for data extraction and integration with the ICMIS are being tested. SUPACE, an AI research tool for legal search, is experimental. The Court says AI will not be used for judicial decision-making. The update was given in the Rajya Sabha by Arjun Ram Meghwal.