Why Did the K'taka Government Extend Justice Michael D’Cunha's Commission's Term?

Bengaluru, June 7 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has officially announced the extension of the term for the One-Man Commission overseen by retired Justice John Michael D'Cunha. This extension is aimed at ensuring a thorough investigation into the tragic stampede incident that resulted in the loss of 11 lives on June 4.

The Commission is also looking into the Covid scam and the unfortunate deaths of patients due to oxygen shortages at the Chamarajanagar district hospital, with a commitment to submit its findings within a specified timeframe. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appointed the D'Cunha Commission to investigate the stampede case on June 5.

According to the official order, the Enquiry Commission, led by retired Justice Michael D'Cunha, was originally established on August 25, 2023, by the Karnataka government to address serious allegations surrounding the procurement of medicines and equipment, as well as the resultant fatalities, based on a report from the Accounts Committee.

The Commission was initially tasked with producing its report within three months. Additionally, on October 7, 2023, the government issued a new notification outlining updated terms and conditions for the case, thus extending its mandate until December 31, 2025.

In the meantime, another notification was issued on June 5, 2025, creating a One-Man Commission, again led by Justice Michael D'Cunha, to investigate the deaths and injuries stemming from the stampede that occurred during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebration.

Due to the pressing nature of this issue, the Commission has been instructed to finalize its investigation and deliver its report to the government within a month, as specified in the notification. It further emphasizes, "Given the need to prioritize the stampede incident and compile the report within a month post-investigation, the Commission's term has been extended from August 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025."

The Congress-led government has mandated a triple-layered investigation into the stampede tragedy. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared a magisterial investigation led by the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru City and District Magistrate, a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe, in addition to the judicial investigation by the John Michael D'Cunha-led Commission.

Union Minister for Large and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy has raised concerns regarding the government's multiple investigations.

"The government appears to want to demonstrate that it is taking action regarding the incident ahead of the High Court's consideration of the suo motu PIL. However, the court is set to review the matter on June 10. The government first initiated a magisterial investigation, then established a commission led by a retired High Court Judge, and the case has also been assigned to the Criminal Investigation Department. Which report will you accept?"

In adherence to the government's directives, the Karnataka Police, in the FIR related to the stampede, indicated that the involved parties — the RCB franchise, the event management firm DNA, and the KSCA Administrative Committee — organized the victory celebration without obtaining the necessary permissions.