Mahakumbh Mela Stampede | Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Against UP Govt, Allows Petitioner To Approach High Court

The Supreme Court on Monday (February 3) refused to entertain a PIL seeking action against Uttar Pradesh state officials for the stampede which occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela last week.

The Court asked the petitioner, Advocate Vishal Tiwari, to approach the Allahabad High Court. "It is an unfortunate incident, something which is of concern. but go to the High Court. There is already a judicial commission constituted" CJI told Tiwari, who said that stampede incidents were becoming regular.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, for the State of UP, informed the bench a judicial inquiry was underway into the incident. He also said that a similar petition has been filed in the High Court. The bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar dismissed the petition giving the petitioner liberty to approach the High Court.

The petitioner also sought directions to formulate policies and regulations to prevent such stampedes at large religious gatherings. 

The plea, filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari states that the state government has been negligent in avoiding the unfortunate incident of stampede at Maha Kumbh. It alleges that there were  "lapses, negligence and utter failure of administration" by the Uttar Pradesh Government. The petitioner also calls for establishing a dedicated 'devotee aid cell' at the Maha Kumbh or Kumbh events. 

The plea also seeks directions to all states to come up with policies to enhance crowd management and directions from the Court to deploy medical aid teams from various states at the Maha Kumbh in coordination with the UP Government. 

The stampede occurred in the early hours of January 29, reportedly killing  30 -39 persons. The affected area was the Sangam holy dip point. 

Case Details : VISHAL TIWARI Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS W.P.(C) No. 86/2025  

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