The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition seeking action against the officials and Uttar Pradesh authorities over the January 29 stampede that occurred during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district, leading to the death of more than 30 people.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar rejected the plea filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari.
Terming it an unfortunate and concerning incident, the top court of the country told the petitioner to approach the Allahabad High Court since a judicial commission had been formed there.
Appearing for the State of Uttar Pradesh, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi apprised the Bench that a judicial inquiry was underway into the incident. The Allahabad High Court was seized of the matter since a similar petition had been filed there, he added.
Noting the increasing number of stampede incidents across the country, the PIL sought directions to all States to set up facilitation centres at Prayagraj and provide basic information regarding the safety measures and guidelines to the pilgrims.
It further sought setting up of dedicated cells for the worshippers at Kumbh and other religious events for the convenience of pilgrims.
It further prayed for arrangements regarding announcements and display boards in regional languages for the convenience of worshippers visiting Prayagraj from across the country.
Advocate Tiwari requested the Apex Court to direct the state governments, in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh government, to deploy a small medical team at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh comprising Doctors and nurses so that there was no shortage of medical staff during a medical emergency.
He further sought action against the authorities and official for their negligence, which led to the stampede.
The petitioner urged the top court of the country to seek a status report from the Uttar Pradesh government on the Maha Kumbh 2025 stampede incident, as well as initiate legal action against the persons, authorities and officials responsible for the same.
The plea also prayed for directions to all states to formulate policies for crowd management.
More than 30 devotees were killed and over 60 pilgrims were injured after a stampede broke out in the Sangam area of the ongoing Maha Kumbh on January 29.