Maha Kumbh Stampede: PIL In Supreme Court For Safety Measures, Guidelines For Pilgrims

Following the tragic stampede at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, UP, a PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court urging the implementation of safety protocols and guidelines for pilgrims.

The petition seeks measures to ensure the safety of the general public, with particular focus on the movement of VIPs, which should not interfere with the safety or accessibility for ordinary devotees. It also calls for more space to be provided for the safe entry and exit of pilgrims during the Mahakumbh.

Filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, the petition has been mentioned for early hearing before a bench led by Chief Justice of India, Sanjeev Khanna. The Chief Justice advised the petitioner to submit a formal application to the court’s Registry. The PIL also demands that the Uttar Pradesh government submit a status report on the January 29, 2025, stampede incident at the Mahakumbh.

Furthermore, the petition calls for legal action against those responsible for the mishap, including officials and authorities whose negligence contributed to the incident.

The petition underscores the catastrophic consequences of administrative lapses and negligence by government authorities, resulting in the loss of at least 30 lives and injuries to over 60 people during the early morning stampede in the Sangam area on January 29.

It highlights the need for better planning and preparation to prevent such tragedies in the future.

In addition to calling for legal accountability, the PIL also urges the state governments to take action by disseminating safety guidelines and providing basic information at various facilitation centers in Prayagraj.

To aid pilgrims from across the country, the petition suggests that announcements and display boards should be multilingual, ensuring that visitors who are unfamiliar with the local language can access important information easily.

The plea further recommends that state governments, in coordination with Uttar Pradesh, deploy medical teams consisting of doctors and nurses at the Mahakumbh. These teams should be readily available to handle medical emergencies, ensuring that there is no shortage of medical staff when needed most.

Additionally, the petition advocates for the use of electronic communications, such as SMS and WhatsApp, to disseminate safety instructions and guidelines to the public ahead of the event, ensuring that all devotees are informed and prepared.

This PIL emphasizes the need for urgent reforms and proactive measures to protect the lives and well-being of the millions of devotees who attend the Mahakumbh, calling for a concerted effort by both state and central authorities to address safety concerns and improve infrastructure for future gatherings.

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