SC declines PIL on Maha Kumbh stampede, urges High Court review

Maha Kumbh stampede: SC refuses to hear plea on safety guidelines, terms it unfortunate

The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking specific guidelines to ensure the safety of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The petition followed a deadly stampede on January 29 in the Sangam area, which resulted in 30 deaths and 60 injuries.

The Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, termed the incident “unfortunate” but directed the petitioner to approach the Allahabad High Court, as a judicial commission had already been formed to investigate the tragedy.

Maha Kumbh’s third ‘Amrit Snan’amid tightened security

On Monday, February 3, the Maha Kumbh Mela witnessed its third ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of Basant Panchami, marking the first major holy bathing ritual since the stampede.

To prevent another disaster, mela authorities and spiritual sects (akharas) devised a structured sequence for their dips at the Sangam Nose, where the fatal crowd crush had occurred.

Key highlights from Maha Kumbh Amrit Snan

• By 4 am, over 16.58 lakh devotees had taken the holy dip, with the Uttar Pradesh government expecting 5 crore devotees throughout the day.
• Basant Panchami, marking the first day of spring, is celebrated on the fifth day of Magha month and kickstarts Holi preparations in India.
• The last ‘Amrit Snan’ on Mauni Amavasya led to the deadly stampede. In response, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been personally overseeing security preparations since Saturday.
• The state government has strengthened security, medical resources, and crowd management to prevent further mishaps.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, began on January 13, 2025, and will conclude on February 26, 2025. The remaining key bathing dates include:

• Maghi Purnima – February 12
• Maha Shivaratri – February 26

SC declines PIL, directs petitioner to High Court

Advocate Vishal Tiwari, who filed the PIL, expressed concerns over recurring stampedes at large religious gatherings, urging the Supreme Court to hold Uttar Pradesh authorities accountable for alleged mishandling of the event.

However, the SC bench, which included Justice S Ravindra Bhat, dismissed the request, stating that the Allahabad High Court is the appropriate forum to hear the case.

The stampede occurred as large crowds rushed to the bathing ghats, leading to overcrowding and chaos. Following the incident, the Uttar Pradesh government announced the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the causes and ensure accountability.

The Supreme Court’s response underscores the legal process involved, directing the petitioner to seek relief through the appropriate legal channels. The tragedy has once again raised concerns about crowd management and safety measures at major public events in India.

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