The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking directions to put in place safety measures and guidelines for pilgrims from across the country at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. .The PIL by advocate Vishal Tiwari was filed in the wake of the recent stampede at Maha Kumbh on January 29 in which at least 30 people died and over 60 were injured.. A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar said that the stampede was unfortunate and is a matter of concern, but stated that the petitioner can approach the Allahabad High Court.. "It is something of concern and it is an unfortunate incident. But move the High Court," the Bench said.. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the State of Uttar Pradesh, said that a judicial commission has already been constituted to probe the incident. .The PIL sought directions to all States to their facilitation centres at Prayagraj to provide basic information regarding the safety measures and guidelines to the pilgrims.The plea also prayed for arrangements to have announcements, display boards showing direction, roads etc. in other languages so that people from other States do not face problems and can get help easily."All States Governments with coordination of Uttar Pradesh Government shall also deploy its small Medical team at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh comprising of Doctors and Nurses so that at the time of medical emergency there may not be shortage of Medical staff," the petition said..Pertinently, the petitioner also sought action against the authorities and officials for their negligence which led to the stampede."Direct the State of Uttar Pradesh to submit status report on Maha Kumbh 2025 stampede incident that took place on January 29, 2025 and also direct to initiate legal action against the persons, authorities and officials for their negligent conduct," it was prayed..[Read Live Coverage]
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking directions to put in place safety measures and guidelines for pilgrims from across the country at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. .The PIL by advocate Vishal Tiwari was filed in the wake of the recent stampede at Maha Kumbh on January 29 in which at least 30 people died and over 60 were injured.. A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar said that the stampede was unfortunate and is a matter of concern, but stated that the petitioner can approach the Allahabad High Court.. "It is something of concern and it is an unfortunate incident. But move the High Court," the Bench said.. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the State of Uttar Pradesh, said that a judicial commission has already been constituted to probe the incident. .The PIL sought directions to all States to their facilitation centres at Prayagraj to provide basic information regarding the safety measures and guidelines to the pilgrims.The plea also prayed for arrangements to have announcements, display boards showing direction, roads etc. in other languages so that people from other States do not face problems and can get help easily."All States Governments with coordination of Uttar Pradesh Government shall also deploy its small Medical team at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh comprising of Doctors and Nurses so that at the time of medical emergency there may not be shortage of Medical staff," the petition said..Pertinently, the petitioner also sought action against the authorities and officials for their negligence which led to the stampede."Direct the State of Uttar Pradesh to submit status report on Maha Kumbh 2025 stampede incident that took place on January 29, 2025 and also direct to initiate legal action against the persons, authorities and officials for their negligent conduct," it was prayed..[Read Live Coverage]
