Is RCB Responsible for the B'luru Stampede Tragedy?
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Synopsis
RCB is contesting a CAT ruling that blames the franchise for a deadly stampede in Bengaluru. The court's order has sparked a legal battle, as RCB defends its actions amidst claims of crowd mismanagement. What will be the outcome of this high-profile case?
Key Takeaways
- The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are contesting a ruling by the Central Administrative Tribunal regarding liability for a tragic stampede.
- The incident led to the deaths of 11 fans during a crowd gathering.
- RCB argues that it was not given a fair chance to present its side in the proceedings.
- The CAT noted the importance of police consent for large gatherings.
- Future hearings are set to clarify the legal responsibilities involved.
Bengaluru, July 9 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has taken its case to the Karnataka High Court, contesting the assertions made by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that implicated the cricket franchise in facilitating large gatherings, which allegedly contributed to the tragic stampede on June 4 that claimed the lives of 11 individuals.
The petition was submitted by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the parent company of RCB, on Wednesday.
In its ruling, the CAT annulled the suspension of senior IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash imposed by the Karnataka government in relation to the stampede incident.
The petition argues that the CAT's comments are contrary to the principles of natural justice and assert that the remarks were directed at RCB without it being a participant in the proceedings.
It also contends that the CAT exceeded its authority by assigning blame without considering RCB's perspective.
The petition states that the CAT's findings are both factually and legally flawed, made before the completion of investigations by various agencies, including a magisterial inquiry into the stampede.
The Bengaluru bench of the CAT had previously overturned the Karnataka government's suspension of the Inspector General of Police-rank IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, following the June 4 stampede that occurred as 11 RCB fans gathered to celebrate the team's IPL victory on July 1.
This order was issued by the CAT tribunal, consisting of Justice B. K. Shrivastava and Santhosh Mehra.
The tribunal noted that RCB made social media posts without obtaining permission from the relevant police authorities.
Moreover, the bench highlighted that the first post garnered 1.6 million views, while subsequent posts received 426,000 views, 760,000 views, and 1.7 million views respectively.
Thus, it appears that RCB may have been responsible for attracting a crowd numbering between 300,000 to 500,000.
The bench remarked that RCB did not seek the necessary approval or consent from the police, stating, 'The RCB did not take the appropriate permission or consent from the Police.'
Additionally, the bench postponed the hearing regarding the Karnataka government's appeal against the CAT's decision to July 17.
Point of View
It is essential to consider both sides in this ongoing legal battle. RCB's challenge against the CAT's remarks raises important questions about accountability and the responsibilities of sports franchises in managing large crowds. However, the safety of fans remains paramount, and all parties must work collaboratively to ensure such tragedies do not recur. NationPress stands firm in advocating for transparency and justice in this matter.
NationPress
24/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of RCB's challenge against the CAT's order?
RCB argues that the CAT's remarks were unjust, made without the franchise's involvement in the proceedings, and exceeded its jurisdiction by assigning liability without hearing RCB's side.
What tragedy is RCB being held responsible for?
RCB is being held responsible for a stampede that occurred on June 4, resulting in the death of 11 fans during a gathering to celebrate an IPL victory.
What did the CAT tribunal state regarding RCB's social media posts?
The CAT tribunal noted that RCB made social media posts without police consent, which contributed to attracting large crowds.
What is the next step in the legal proceedings?
The hearing on the Karnataka government's appeal against the CAT's decision has been adjourned to July 17.
How many views did RCB's social media posts receive?
RCB's posts received millions of views, with the first post garnering 1.6 million views, significantly contributing to the large crowd.
