Supreme Court Upholds CBI Probe in Kallakurichi Hooch Tragedy

The Supreme Court has dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's appeal, affirming the Madras High Court's decision for a CBI investigation into the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which resulted in 67 deaths. The Court emphasized the need for accountability and a thorough investigation into this catastrophic incident involving illicit liquor consumption.

The Supreme Court has upheld the Madras High Court's directive for a CBI investigation into the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, dismissing the Tamil Nadu government's appeal for intervention. The tragedy, which claimed 67 lives, has sparked a significant public outcry and demand for justice.

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan supported the High Court’s decision, noting that the judgment was sufficiently reasoned not to warrant interference. The petitions prompting the investigation were filed by several legal professionals, including AIADMK legal wing secretary I S Inbadurai.

The High Court emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive CBI investigation due to the incident's severity, directing the state police to cooperate fully. The court criticized the state police's failure to prevent the tragedy, suggesting an earlier intervention could have saved lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)