SC Declines PIL for Mahakumbh Safety Measures After Tragic Stampede

The Supreme Court called the Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj an "unfortunate incident" but directed the petitioner to approach the High Court for safety measures.

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SC Declines PIL for Mahakumbh Safety Measures After Tragic Stampede

The Supreme Court called the stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, an “unfortunate incident,” but refused to take up a PIL seeking safety measures for pilgrims. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, acknowledged the incident’s seriousness but advised the petitioner to approach the High Court instead.

UP Government’s Stance on the Issue

Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the court that a judicial commission had already been set up to investigate the stampede. He also pointed out that a similar petition had been filed in the Allahabad High Court, urging the bench to direct the lawyer to address the matter there.

PIL’s Key Demands

The PIL, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, asked for measures to prevent VIP movements from compromising the safety of common devotees. It also sought ample space for pilgrims to enter and exit the event safely. The petition urged the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report on the January 29, 2025 stampede and take legal action against those responsible for negligence.

Tragic Outcome of the Stampede

The petition highlighted the stampede as a result of administrative failures. At least 30 people died, and over 60 were injured in the early-morning incident in the Sangam area.

Safety Measures for Future Pilgrims

The PIL called for better safety information for pilgrims. It recommended establishing facilitation centers with clear safety guidelines and announcements in multiple languages. The petition also suggested using SMS and WhatsApp to send safety information to devotees. Finally, it urged the deployment of small medical teams to manage emergencies effectively.