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Synopsis

The Supreme Court of India on Monday, refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions to implement robust safety measures and guidelines for the pilgrims attending the world’s largest congregation.

The PIL was filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari a day after the stampede broke out at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh, which claimed 30 lives and caused multiple casualties.

In view of this, a bench comprising CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, while dismissing the petition, said, "It's an unfortunate incident, something which is of concern, but move to the Allahabad High Court."

During the hearing, Advocate Vishal Tiwari, the petitioner, submitted before the bench that incidents of stampedes have become frequent.

However, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state of Uttar Pradesh, submitted that a similar petition is already pending before the Allahabad High Court and that a judicial inquiry is ongoing.

The instant PIL sought directions for all states to collaborate in order to ensure the safety of the pilgrims attending the congregation. It further urges all states to establish facilitation centres at the Kumbh, which should display basic information regarding safety measures and guidelines for people coming from other states.

"Arrangements shall also be made for Announcements, display boards showing directions, roads etc in other languages so that people of different languages and cultures may not face problems and can get help easily in any kind of emergency situation," the PIL stated.

Pressing for coordination between all states and the Uttar Pradesh government, the PIL urges for the deployment of small medical teams at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, comprising doctors and nurses, to ensure that there is no shortage of medical staff during emergencies.

Emphasising that the VIP movement should not endanger the lives of ordinary pilgrims, the PIL states, "The VIP movement shall not affect or create a danger to the common devotees safety and maximum space for entry and exit of devotees at Maha Kumbh shall be provided."

Further accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of negligence, the PIL seeks directions for the state to submit a status report on the Maha Kumbh 2025 stampede. "Issue writ of mandamus/directions to the Respondent No.2 State of. Uttar Pradesh To Submit Status Report on Maha Kumbh 2025 Stampede Incident took place on 29-1-2025 and also direct to initiate legal action against the Person’s, Authorities and Officials for their Negligent Conduct," it added.

In view of the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry. The three-member probe team will be headed by retired Allahabad High Court Justice Harsh Kumar, with former DGP V.K. Gupta and retired IAS officer D.K. Singh as the other members. Additionally, the CM also announced that the UP Police would conduct a separate inquiry into the tragic incident.

Case Title: Vishal Tiwari v Union of India