Karnataka High Court Today (June 5) started a suo motu case after 11 people died in a stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL victory celebration. The Court seeks a detailed report and stresses the need for a proper inquiry.
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BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court today took suo motu (on its own) action regarding the tragic stampede that happened outside Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This terrible incident took place on Wednesday, when a large crowd had gathered to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team’s first Indian Premier League (IPL) win in 18 years.
Sadly, 11 people lost their lives and 56 were injured in the chaos.
The incident occurred when it was suddenly announced that entry to the stadium would be free. Earlier, people had to pay to enter. After the free-entry news spread, a huge number of fans rushed to the stadium, which caused panic, a stampede, and the tragic deaths.
The court’s decision to take action was made on Thursday by a Bench of Acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice CM Joshi. They also asked the State government to give a status report about what actions were taken after the incident.
The court will next hear this matter on June 10, Tuesday.
The Karnataka government has already ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. However, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was also filed before the High Court asking for a fair and neutral investigation. The PIL, filed by advocate Lohith G Hanumapura through his lawyer Lohitaswa Banakar, stated:
“Given the grave nature of the incident and the possibility of systemic administrative failures, it is imperative that an impartial judicial enquiry be conducted under the supervision of a sitting judge of this Hon’ble Court.”
Union Minister and BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje also stepped in and wrote a letter to the High Court, requesting it to take suo motu action. The Court agreed and began hearing the case.
During the hearing, Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, who represents the State government, told the Court that he would explain the steps taken by the authorities so far. Later, during the afternoon session, many lawyers were present and demanded an independent inquiry.
Senior Advocate Aruna Shyam said:
“Let State clarify where they deployed ambulance etc. The person who was supposed to control mob is deputed to conduct inquiry now. Court may pass orders to appoint an independent inquiry agency.”
Another lawyer raised questions about who gave the approval for the public event:
“What is the obligation of State to felicitate players who have not played for country or State? Why they have conducted the programme at two places – Vidhan Soudha and the Chinnswamy stadium? What are the safety measures taken by State?”
In response, Advocate General Shetty said that the government is not trying to hide anything and is taking the matter seriously.
He assured the Court:
“We will video record everything for lordships’ consideration. There is no question of hiding anything.”
He further explained that a magisterial inquiry has already started because it can give a quick report within 15 days. He also said that witnesses and the public are welcome to provide information to the investigating officer.
The Court noted that there is a need for a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to avoid such disasters in the future. This includes having ambulances nearby and providing hospital details at such crowded events.
AG Shetty responded by saying that even though ambulances were already present, more than 2.5 lakh people came outside a stadium that could only hold around 30,000. Because of this, the available ambulances were not enough. He added that the State is looking into long-term measures to handle such huge gatherings.
He concluded:
“The State is not taking an adversarial approach in the matter and urged that case should not become a mudslinging match.”
Finally, the Karnataka High Court officially registered a suo motu case on this issue to ensure accountability and justice for the lives lost.
EARLIER TODAY IN HC
The Karnataka High Court earlier today decided to look into the horrifying stampede that occurred outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed the lives of 11 people and injured around 47 others.
The crowd had gathered to celebrate the historic Indian Premier League (IPL) victory of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricket team after 18 years.
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The matter was brought up this morning in front of a Bench led by Acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice CM Joshi.
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, appearing on behalf of the Karnataka State Government, assured the Court that the government is working actively to handle the matter.
“We are taking all steps. We will submit a report. I will get instructions. I will place what we have done, just on facts what has happened. We are only assisting, there is no adversarial (approach). We are as eager as any citizen of the State. If there is any suggestion, let them pass it on,”
-he told the Court.
The High Court responded by saying that it would hear the case in more detail at 2:30 PM today.
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According to multiple news reports, the stampede took place outside the stadium on Wednesday, a day after RCB won their first IPL title.
A huge crowd had gathered to celebrate and meet the players, who were expected to arrive at the stadium for a victory event.
Initially, tickets with entry fees were being issued for the event. However, it is said that a last-minute announcement allowing free entry led to sudden chaos.
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When a massive number of fans rushed to the gates to enter freely, the situation spiraled out of control, resulting in the tragic deaths and injuries.
The Karnataka State Government has already ordered a magisterial inquiry to investigate what went wrong and who should
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