Did Bengaluru Forget to Plan? High Court’s 9 Questions Shake State Govt
The court wants honest replies by June 10, keeping public safety at the heart of the matter.
Aryan K 
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 07: The June 4 stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium left 11 dead and 56 injured. The Karnataka High Court stepped in, asking nine strong questions to the state government. From who gave the green light for the IPL victory event to how the crowd was managed, nothing was left untouched. The court wants honest replies by June 10, keeping public safety at the heart of the matter.
Victory Event or Tragic Oversight?
The celebration was for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL success, but there was no joy in the crowd’s cries. A sea of fans gathered, but there seemed to be no proper plan. The court questioned if the organisers had permissions. Did they predict how many would come? Who was responsible for keeping the crowd safe? These questions are not only legal, but deeply human.
No SOP for Big Events? Court Feels the Gap
One of the biggest worries the court raised was whether Karnataka even has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for such large gatherings. Sporting events and public celebrations need crowd control, emergency teams, and exit plans. Without clear SOPs, every big event can become risky. The judges reminded the state that lives can’t be treated as last-minute arrangements.
What Happened to Emergency Help?
The High Court asked if injured people were treated at the spot or if they had to wait. It also asked how long it took to take them to the hospital. In such moments, even one minute can decide life or death. If people didn’t get care on time, the court wants to know why. The bench is clearly focusing on the real needs of the public.
Key Questions to Be Answered:
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Who authorised the RCB victory celebration event?
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When was the decision made, and what was the process involved?
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Did the organisers obtain all necessary permissions from the relevant authorities?
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What traffic management measures were implemented around the venue?
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What crowd control arrangements were put in place to ensure public safety?
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What kind of medical and emergency facilities were available at the event site?
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Was there a prior estimate or assessment of the expected crowd size?
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Were the injured given immediate medical assistance at the venue? If not, what caused the delay?
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How much time passed before the injured were transported to nearby hospitals?
Five Police Officers Suspended—But Is That Enough?
The state suspended five top officers, including Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda. This action came only after the court and political pressure. The High Court’s hard questions may have forced the government to act. But many still ask—were these steps enough? Or is the system waiting for another tragedy before learning to protect its people properly?
