The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking action against the Uttar Pradesh government over its alleged negligence in handling the Maha Kumbh stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least 30 devotees and injuries to over 60 others. The tragic incident occurred during Mauni Amavasya, the most sacred bathing day of the festival, on January 29.
While acknowledging the gravity of the incident, the court termed it “unfortunate” and advised the petitioner, advocate Vishal Tiwari, to approach the Allahabad High Court. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar highlighted that a similar petition was already pending in the High Court. “You should approach the High Court, especially since the matter is already under consideration there,” the bench stated. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Uttar Pradesh, confirmed the ongoing case in the High Court, urging the petitioner to direct his concerns there.
The Petitioner’s Allegations
Tiwari’s PIL accused the Uttar Pradesh government of gross administrative negligence, particularly in handling the massive crowds during the Maha Kumbh. The plea emphasized that the state’s failure to adequately prepare for the surge of devotees, especially on the key day of Mauni Amavasya, led to the tragic stampede. The petition called for policy interventions to prevent such disasters at large religious gatherings.
Key points raised in the PIL included:
- The need for all states to collaborate on ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims at the Kumbh.
- Establishing “devotee aid cells” at the Kumbh to assist with crowd management and provide crucial safety information to attendees.
- Deploying small medical teams, including doctors and nurses, from different states to coordinate with Uttar Pradesh authorities and provide adequate emergency support.
Tragedy at the Maha Kumbh
On the early hours of January 29, millions of devotees surged toward a narrow section of the riverbank, eager to take a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The chaos erupted when the crowd broke through police barricades, trampling bystanders and causing the deadly stampede. The tragedy occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., as devotees rushed to the sacred bathing site on the most auspicious day of the festival.
The incident spotlighted concerns about the state’s preparedness and the lack of adequate safety measures to manage the crowd. As the world’s largest religious gathering, the Maha Kumbh draws millions of devotees, requiring a high level of coordination to prevent such incidents.
Government’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the stampede, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a judicial inquiry to investigate the incident. A three-member panel, headed by retired judge Harsh Kumar, has been formed to oversee the inquiry. The panel includes former Director General of Police VK Gupta and retired civil servant DK Singh. Adityanath also announced a separate police inquiry into the incident to ensure accountability.
The stampede has raised critical questions regarding crowd management at the Kumbh Mela, prompting calls for more robust measures to protect the millions of devotees who attend the festival each year. As investigations continue, the focus remains on improving safety protocols to prevent such tragic events in the future.
