The Karnataka High Court has strongly pulled up the state government over the recent stampede incident outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium that left 11 people dead and more than 50 injured. Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the court has demanded clear explanations regarding crowd safety and administrative planning.
The stampede occurred on June 4 during a felicitation event for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where thousands of fans had gathered. The unexpected crowd surge led to chaos and casualties. On June 5, the High Court initiated suo motu proceedings and asked the state government to explain the circumstances that led to the tragedy and what measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
During a recent hearing on June 9, a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwar Rao and Justice CM Joshi expressed concern over the administration’s preparedness. It sought a comprehensive report to be submitted by June 12 in a sealed envelope. The court is also hearing three related petitions alongside its proceedings.
In court, the Advocate General (AG), appearing for the Karnataka Government, acknowledged a communication lapse related to the transfer of the case from the local police to the Crime Investigation Department (CID). Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) continued to make arrests, with the Cubbon Park Police presenting the accused. This led to confusion, which the court noted with seriousness.
To ensure accountability, the bench posed nine pointed questions to the government:
- Who authorised the felicitation event, and how was this decision finalised?
- What traffic arrangements were made to handle the expected crowd?
- What crowd control mechanisms were implemented on the ground?
- Were any emergency or medical support systems arranged at the venue?
- Was there an estimate made regarding the turnout at the event?
- Did the injured receive prompt medical assistance? If not, what caused the delay?
- How quickly were victims transported to hospitals?
- Does the government have an established protocol for events that expect over 50,000 people?
- Was prior permission obtained before holding the public celebration?
In response, the Advocate General requested more time to compile answers and stated that a detailed reply would be submitted soon. He also told the court that certain details could not be disclosed in open proceedings due to ongoing investigations and legal sensitivities.
One of the individuals arrested, Nikhil Sosale, a representative of RCB, challenged his arrest, claiming it was unlawful. The event organiser, DNA Entertainment Networks, also approached the court, arguing that the event had been officially announced and supported by the state’s Chief Minister. The company claimed that the invitation came directly from the Chief Minister.
The court has also temporarily stayed any immediate action against RCB and DNA Networks until further hearings. During the session, a former legislator requested to be added as a party in the case, and another counsel informed the court of an upcoming Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the issue.
The bench asked the government to clarify the usual arrangements in place for managing crowds during major sporting events at the stadium. The court stressed the importance of proper planning, ticket regulation, and emergency preparedness.
