Maha Kumbh Stampede: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a PIL that sought specific guidelines to ensure the safety of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh Mela after a stampede claimed at least 30 lives in the Sangam area last week. Around 60 people were injured in the stampede that occurred ahead of the second Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya.
The apex court termed the stampede "an unfortunate incident" and asked the petitioner, advocate Vishal Tiwari, to move the Allahabad High Court.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar noted the submission of the Uttar Pradesh government that a plea was already filed in the Allahabad High Court on the issue and the present petition should be not examined in the apex court.
The top court noted the submissions of senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the UP government, that a judicial inquiry was initiated.
The PIL was filed in the top court on January 30, a day after the incident in the stampede in Prayagraj.
The incident took place on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar.
The petition, filed a day later under Article 32 of the Constitution by Tiwari, sought guidelines to prevent stampede incidents and protect the fundamental rights of equality and life under Article 21.
Maha Kumbh Stampede
A stampede on the second Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mouni Amawasya claimed at least 30 lives and around 60 individuals were injured during the Maha Kumbh Mela last week.
Several opposition leaders had raised their concerns over the government's handling of the stampede. A three-member judicial commission was formed to examine the causes and circumstances that led to the stampede. The panel will also provide recommendations to prevent such incidents in future. The investigation report must be submitted within one month of the commission's formation.