Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Against Uttar Pradesh Govt
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India on Monday, February 3, declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking action against Uttar Pradesh state officials over the tragic stampede that occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela last week. Advocate Vishal Tiwari, who filed the petition, was advised by the Court to approach the Allahabad High Court for further proceedings. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) remarked that while the incident was indeed unfortunate and concerning, the matter was already being investigated by a judicial commission.
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Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Uttar Pradesh Government, informed the bench that an inquiry was underway into the incident and that a similar petition had already been filed in the High Court. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, dismissed the petition, allowing Tiwari the liberty to take the matter to the High Court.
The PIL filed by Tiwari emphasized the negligence of the Uttar Pradesh Government, alleging failures in crowd management and administrative lapses that led to the stampede. The petition called for the creation of a “devotee aid cell” at the Maha Kumbh and similar events, along with the implementation of enhanced crowd management policies to prevent such incidents in the future.
• Maha Kumbh Mela Tragedy: Call for Improved Safety Measures
The tragic stampede took place in the early hours of January 29 at the Sangam holy dip point, claiming the lives of at least 30-39 individuals. The petition also urged the Court to direct all states to adopt regulations for large religious gatherings and to deploy medical aid teams from various states, coordinated with the Uttar Pradesh Government.
The case details are as follows: VISHAL TIWARI Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS W.P.(C) No. 86/2025.
This incident continues to highlight the need for improved safety measures at religious gatherings, and the legal proceedings are likely to shape future policies for such large-scale events, including the Maha Kumbh Mela.
• History of Stampedes at Kumbh Mela
This tragic event is not the first of its kind. Stampedes have occurred at previous Kumbh Mela gatherings, raising serious concerns about crowd management. In 2013, a stampede at the Allahabad Kumbh Mela resulted in the deaths of over 36 people, while hundreds more were injured. The scale of the Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of pilgrims, poses unique challenges in maintaining safety during such large-scale religious congregations.
Moreover, in 1954, a devastating stampede at the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar led to the deaths of over 200 people. Over the years, while several measures have been introduced to prevent such incidents, including barricades, medical facilities, and improved policing, the sheer volume of devotees continues to make safety a difficult task. These past tragedies underscore the ongoing need for robust systems to manage crowds and ensure the well-being of all participants.
• Nashik Kumbh Mela 2003
The Kumbh Mela of 2003 was held in Nashik. According to a report by the Dainik Jagran newspaper, saints began distributing silver coins at the event. A rush to collect the coins ensued, leading to chaos and stampede-like conditions. It was recorded that at least 30 people lost their lives, and more than 100 others were injured.