The Supreme Court, on July 12, 2024, dismissed a petition requesting the formation of an expert committee to investigate the Hathras stampede, which tragically resulted in over 121 deaths. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud directed the petitioner, lawyer Vishal Tiwari, to approach the Allahabad High Court instead of coming directly to the apex court.
The Petition’s Demands
The writ petition, filed on July 3, sought the appointment of a five-member expert committee under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge. Tiwari also requested the court to establish safety guidelines for mass gatherings and public events to prevent future tragedies.
Background of the Incident
The stampede occurred during a prayer meeting organized by self-styled godman Narayan Saakar Hari in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh. The event attracted a massive crowd, leading to chaos and fatalities. The petition criticized the state government and municipal authorities for their failure in crowd control and safety measures.
Historical Precedents
The petition referenced several past incidents, such as the 1954 Kumbh Mela stampede, the 2007 Mecca Masjid stampede, the 2022 Mata Vaishno Devi shrine tragedy, the 2014 Dussehra stampede in Patna, and the 2011 Sabarimala stampede, emphasizing the need for stringent guidelines to manage large gatherings.
Court’s Direction
While dismissing the plea, the Supreme Court underscored the necessity for the petitioner to seek relief from the appropriate forum, in this case, the Allahabad High Court. The apex court’s decision shifts the focus to the state judiciary for further action on the matter.
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