New Delhi, January 30: In the wake of the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh that claimed the lives of at least 30 people and left around 60 others injured, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court demanding legal action against authorities and officials for their "negligent conduct."
The petition asserts that the incident highlights the severe consequences of lapses, negligence, and the failure of the administration, which it blames on government officials.
The petition criticizes not only the lack of proper supervision and administration but also the authorities' inability to manage the massive crowd that gathered for the event. It draws attention to a history of similar incidents, referencing the 1954 Kumbh Mela stampede and the 2025 Maha Kumbh disaster in Uttar Pradesh. The petition argues that these recurring tragedies show that the administration has failed to learn from past mistakes and take necessary preventive measures.
The petition highlights that overcrowding and poor management have often led to casualties, with no significant improvements in administrative actions over time. It emphasizes that the Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in India, making it a collective responsibility of all states to ensure the safety and security of attendees.
"It is essential for all states to provide proper facilitation, security, medical care, transportation, and other necessary services to their residents attending the Maha Kumbh," the petition states. "Incidents like this disproportionately affect the common and vulnerable people."
The petition further raises concerns about the failure of the Uttar Pradesh government and local municipal corporations to adequately address safety measures and prevent such incidents.
