The fast is also to condemn ‘denial of permission’ to raise the issue in the state Assembly, according to the main opposition party.

In a statement, NHRC said it has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that several people lost their lives after “consuming spurious liquor” in Kallakurichi.

The hooch tragedy shook the state with 57 people losing their lives since June 19 in Kallakurichi district. 

"So far 53 people have passed away. Seven people have been arrested in connection with the spurious liquor tragedy," he told reporters after visiting the victims at the Kallakurich government hospital. 

CM MK Stalin has ordered a commission of inquiry headed by Madras high court and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each victim and Rs 50,000 to those undergoing treatment.