Stampede tragedy: HC issues notice to KSCA, RCB and DNA Entertainment

Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court issued notices to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, and DNA Entertainment Network Pvt Ltd, making them respondents in a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) registered in connection with the stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that resulted in the death of 11 people.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwara Rao and Justice C.M. Joshi, which heard the matter, directed the respondents to submit their objections by Friday and adjourned the hearing to Monday afternoon.

The suo motu PIL was registered based on media reports highlighting the tragic incident. During the proceedings, Advocate General (AG) Shashikiran Shetty, appearing for the state, submitted a status report in a sealed cover detailing the preliminary investigation and developments so far. He informed the bench that magistrate and judicial inquiry reports would soon be available and submitted to the court.

However, advocates representing other petitioners in the case objected to the sealed cover submission, arguing that it prevents transparency. “The report should be submitted in an open court. The investigation must remain transparent,” they urged.

Responding to the objection, the AG said, “The government has no objection to making the report public, but during an ongoing inquiry, certain sensitive details cannot be disclosed. If these contents are reported in the media, it could impact witnesses and the fairness of the inquiry. We will disclose the full report once the investigations are complete.”

Petitioners’ counsels also pressed for enhanced compensation for the victims’ families. The bench asked them to place their submissions before the Advocate General, who may respond accordingly.