The Allahabad High Court has approved the expanded inquiry into the January 29 Maha Kumbh stampede, addressing concerns over fatalities and property loss, thereby dismissing the Public Interest Litigation.
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the January 29 Maha Kumbh stampede, after the Uttar Pradesh government expanded the scope of the judicial inquiry.
The state government informed the court that, vide a notification dated February 22, it has extended the term of the judicial commission probing the incident. The commission will now also investigate:
- The number of deaths and the extent of property loss due to the stampede.
- How the Maha Kumbh Mela administration coordinated with the district administration and health department during and after the incident.
Previously, the commission’s inquiry was limited to determining how the stampede occurred and how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
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The PIL, filed by advocate Suresh Chandra Pandey, contended that the original terms of the commission were inadequate as they did not cover loss of life and property.
A division bench of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra took note of the state government’s expansion of the inquiry’s scope and subsequently disposed of the plea.
The court noted that the concerns raised in the petition have been addressed with the government’s decision.
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“In view of the enlargement of the scope of inquiry vide a notification dated 22.02.2025, the plea raised has been taken care of…”
the bench observed.
With this expansion, the judicial commission will now comprehensively examine the impact of the stampede, ensuring that accountability and preventive measures are thoroughly assessed.
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