What Actions are Being Taken in the Karnataka Stampede Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court appoints S. Susheela as amicus curiae.
- Stampede on June 4 claimed 11 lives.
- Discrepancies in compensation for victims under scrutiny.
- Next court session set for July 1.
- Focus on ensuring uniform compensation across incidents.
Bengaluru, June 23 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court has appointed senior advocate S. Susheela as an amicus curiae to aid the court regarding the tragic stampede on June 4, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives during the celebration of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory near the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
A division bench led by Acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwara Rao, along with Justice C.M. Joshi, issued this order while examining the suo motu case initiated by the court concerning the stampede incident.
Prior to appointing the amicus curiae, the bench remarked that since the court had taken suo motu cognizance of the situation, it was appropriate to appoint an amicus.
In the meantime, the prosecution has submitted an action taken report regarding the case so far in a sealed cover. The legal representatives for the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the DNA event management firm requested additional time to respond to the petition.
The court indicated that it would consider whether the report should remain sealed after the amicus curiae is appointed. The bench instructed the amicus, senior advocate Susheela, to review the government report and present observations to the court. The next hearing is scheduled for June 1.
Additionally, petitions have been filed requesting an increase in the compensation amount, arguing that the government offers varying compensation for different categories of victims. The petition contends that Rs 25 lakh was allocated to the families of those who perished in the stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium, while similar compensation was not extended to those who died due to lightning strikes or from drinking contaminated water in Tumakuru.
The petition seeks uniform compensation for all such incidents.
At this juncture, the high court mentioned it would refrain from expressing any opinion on the matter. The hearings for these petitions have been postponed to July 1.