Hathras Stampede: Allahabad High Court Calls on Former DM and SSP to Explain Accountability for 2024 Tragedy
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New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Allahabad High Court has summoned the former District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Hathras for a hearing on January 15, instructing them to submit an affidavit explaining why they should not be held accountable for the deaths of 121 individuals in the 2024 stampede.
This devastating incident resulted in the loss of at least 121 lives, including women and children, during a ‘Satsang’ (religious gathering) organized by the self-proclaimed godman Narayan Sakar Hari, also referred to as Bhole Baba, in Fhulrai village in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district. Reports suggest that the event attracted over 200,000 attendees, primarily women.
A bench led by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav remarked that the event “prima facie indicated administrative negligence,” necessitating that the district administration officials address their accountability regarding the unfortunate deaths. The bench noted that similar incidents have occurred in the past, where inadequate arrangements by organizers have led to fatalities during such gatherings.
“It is the administration's duty to ensure adequate police presence, medical facilities, and other essential arrangements. The lack of these provisions has resulted in countless fatalities, yet administrative officials fail to learn from previous occurrences,” the Allahabad HC asserted. The court further highlighted the necessity for the Prayagraj district administration to implement proper measures for the upcoming MahaKumbh, ensuring no citizen's life or property is jeopardized.
“The 2025 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela is the largest fair globally, and if organized effectively, it can promote its message across India and set a positive example internationally,” it stated.
Scheduling the next hearing for January 15, the Allahabad High Court mandated the former DM and SSP of Hathras to appear in person and clarify, via affidavit, why they should not be held accountable for the loss of 121 lives.
The Allahabad High Court instructed the Registrar (Compliance) to share a copy of its ruling with the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Hathras for compliance. Additionally, copies of the order were to be sent to the Home Secretary of Uttar Pradesh and made available to the District Magistrate, Commissioner, and Police Commissioner of Prayagraj.
In July 2024, the Supreme Court declined to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) requesting the formation of a five-member expert committee, supervised by a retired apex court judge, to investigate the stampede incident of July 2 in Hathras.
A bench led by then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud challenged the petitioner for approaching the apex court directly, advising, “You may file the PIL with the Allahabad High Court. High Courts are equipped to handle such matters.”
The PIL had sought directives for the UP government to present a status report and initiate legal proceedings against the event organizers, authorities, and officials for their “negligent conduct.”
Moreover, it called for state governments to establish guidelines aimed at preventing stampedes and ensuring public safety during large gatherings at religious and other events.
Based on the SIT report recommendations, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh ordered the suspension of six officials, including the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Circle Officer (CO), and Tehsildar. Additionally, a three-member Judicial Inquiry Commission was formed, chaired by retired Justice Brijesh Kumar Srivastava (II) of the Allahabad High Court, to investigate the incident.
