The Supreme Court has upheld the Madras High Court’s directive for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, rejecting the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal against the order. The tragedy claimed the lives of 67 people in Kallakurichi district after they consumed illicit liquor laced with methanol, raising serious concerns about the enforcement of anti-spurious liquor laws in the state.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Pardiwala and Mahadevan dismissed the appeal, stating that the CBI is the appropriate agency to handle the investigation due to its inter-state implications, involving Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and other regions. The court emphasized that there is no obstacle to the continuation of the CBI’s investigation, reinforcing the Madras High Court’s decision.
The Tamil Nadu government argued that its police had made significant progress in the case, with 24 arrests, the methanol source traced, and key witnesses examined. It also highlighted the appointment of a one-man commission led by Justice (Retd.) B. Gokuldas and the transfer of the case to the CB-CID, which was awaiting toxicology reports before filing a charge sheet.
Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court affirmed the need for an impartial and comprehensive investigation by the CBI, citing public dissatisfaction with past inquiries into similar hooch tragedies. Petitioners from AIADMK, PMK, and BJP had argued that systemic failures and recurring incidents necessitated a central probe to ensure accountability and justice.
The CBI will now take over the investigation from the state police, who have been instructed to transfer all relevant case files and provide full cooperation.
(With inputs from Nakkheeran)
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