Synopsis
The Supreme Court has rejected a PIL seeking action against officials in Uttar Pradesh for negligence related to a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh, which resulted in 30 fatalities and numerous injuries. The court suggested that the petitioner seek assistance from the Allahabad High Court.Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court declines PIL regarding Maha Kumbh stampede.
- At least 30 people lost their lives, and 60 injured.
- Petitioner advised to approach Allahabad High Court.
- Judicial inquiry underway by the Uttar Pradesh government.
- Calls for better crowd management at Kumbh events.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Monday declined to consider a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought legal action against state authorities and officials in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, for their negligent conduct leading to a devastating stampede during the Maha Kumbh, which resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives and left approximately 60 others injured.
A panel including CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar advised the PIL petitioner, advocate Vishal Tiwari, to seek resolution through the Allahabad High Court.
The bench acknowledged the statement by senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, which indicated that a judicial inquiry had already been initiated by the state to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede, and noted that a similar petition had been submitted to the Allahabad High Court.
"This is indeed a matter of concern, and it is an unfortunate incident. However, you should approach the (Allahabad) High Court," the apex court advised the PIL petitioner.
The petition presented to the apex court highlighted that stampedes have become frequent occurrences, with the incident in Prayagraj showcasing the dire state of public safety due to administrative failures, negligence, and the lack of accountability from government authorities.
Beyond the failure to maintain effective oversight, the petition claimed that officials also neglected to manage the crowd at the event.
"From the 1954 Kumbh Mela stampede to the recent Maha Kumbh 2025 stampede in Uttar Pradesh, which claimed around 30 lives and injured numerous others, it is evident that there has been little change in administrative practices that could have prevented such tragedies through adequate care and proactive management efforts," the petition stated.
It was noted that there are frequent reports of casualties stemming from overcrowding and poor administration, emphasizing that each incident serves as a reminder that "we have not learned from our past mistakes."
The Kumbh event is one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in the country, thus placing a collective obligation on all states to guarantee the safety and well-being of their citizens during their visit to the Maha Kumbh.
"All states must step up to provide adequate facilitation, security, medical services, transportation, and other necessary amenities for their residents attending the Maha Kumbh. Typically, it is the common and underprivileged individuals who suffer the most during such incidents," the petition asserted.
Numerous pressing questions have arisen from this tragic stampede incident regarding the responsibilities and shortcomings of the state government and municipal authorities.
Prior similar incidents of stampede have occurred during various religious festivals and events, the petition noted. It requested that the Uttar Pradesh government submit a status report regarding the Maha Kumbh 2025 stampede and take legal measures against the negligent officials.
On Monday, the Parliament's Budget session resumed amidst chaos as the Opposition called for accountability from the Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of obscuring the true death toll. They also demanded a detailed list of the deceased, criticizing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his initial hesitation in confirming fatalities post-incident.
Some Opposition MPs even called for the Chief Minister's resignation. Amid the uproar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to restore order, attributing the disruption to the Opposition.
