CHENNAI: The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government and the AIADMK to file counter affidavits within two weeks on whether the state is liable to pay compensation to persons who die in untoward incidents at events organised by political parties.
Justice Mohammed Shaffiq issued the direction while hearing a petition filed in 2025, by P Vadivelu, a daily-wage labourer from Tondiarpet, seeking Rs 50 lakh compensation for the death of his 14-year-old daughter, Yuvasree, in a stampede during an AIADMK relief distribution programme at Sunnambu Kalvai, R K Nagar, in December 2023.
According to the petitioner, the AIADMK organised the relief distribution event on December 9, 2023, for cyclone Michaung-affected residents. The programme was attended by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and was organised by the party’s R K Nagar West secretary Nithyanantham.
Yuvasree, a Class 9 student, had gone to collect relief materials along with her aunt when a stampede broke out due to the massive crowd. She was severely hurt and later declared brought dead at the Stanley Government Hospital. An RTI response obtained from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vannarapettai, confirmed the programme was organised by the AIADMK.
The petitioner contended that the tragedy occurred due to the complete absence of barricades, crowd management personnel, medical assistance and coordination with law enforcement, despite authorities being fully aware that a massive crowd was expected. The father invoked articles 21 and 14 of the Constitution, arguing the state’s negligence amounted to a violation of the right to life with safety and dignity.
Vadivelu, who earns `550 a day, submitted that a representation sent to the then government in July 2025 seeking compensation received no response, prompting him to approach the court. Justice Shaffiq directed both the state government and AIADMK to file their responses within two weeks and adjourned the matter for further hearing.