Introduction
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court, seeking a high-level committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the stampede incident at a satsang in Hathras, resulting in 121 deaths.
Background
- Incident: Stampede at a satsang of ‘Bhole Baba’ (Narayan Sakar Hari) in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh.
- Casualties: 121 deaths reported.
- Permission: Organisers sought permission for 80,000 attendees, but over 2.5 lakh people gathered.
- FIR Allegations: Overcrowding, lack of help for victims, and destruction of evidence by organisers.
- Current Status: Bhole Baba is reportedly on the run, with police searching his premises.
Key Points
- Petitioner: Advocate Vishal Tiwari.
- Request: Formation of a five-member expert committee to investigate.
- Demands: Legal action against those responsible, state-wise status reports on past stampede incidents, and guidelines for organising such events.
- Additional PIL: Filed in Allahabad High Court for a CBI inquiry.
Legal Provisions
| Law | Section | Particulars |
| Indian Penal Code (IPC) | 304A | Causing death by negligence. |
| IPC | 337 | Causing hurt by endangering life or personal safety of others. |
| IPC | 338 | Causing grievous hurt by endangering life or personal safety of others. |
| Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) | 154 | Information in cognizable cases (FIR). |
Impact
- Legal Action: Potential legal consequences for organisers and officials.
- Policy: May lead to new guidelines and policies for organising large public gatherings.
- Public Safety: Increased focus on preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The PIL filed in the Supreme Court seeks a comprehensive probe into the Hathras stampede, highlighting the need for accountability and preventive measures. The demand for state-wise status reports and future guidelines underscores the importance of ensuring public safety during large gatherings.
SOURCE – INDIA TODAY
