Allahabad High Court Rejects PIL Seeking CBI Probe Into Maha Kumbh Stampede

Allahabad, March 17 (TNA) The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh has received relief from the Allahabad High Court regarding the stampede that occurred on January 29 during Mauni Amavasya at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. The High Court dismissed the public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI investigation into the stampede and alleged irregularities, deeming the petition baseless.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra delivered the verdict on Monday, March 17. The court had reserved its decision on March 11 after hearing arguments from all parties.

The PIL was filed by social activists Keshar Singh, Yogendra Kumar Pandey, and Kamlesh Singh, who demanded a CBI probe into the mishap, citing mismanagement and deficiencies in the event's organization.

What was included in the PIL?

The petition sought directives for a comprehensive report on the fair's mismanagement, urging necessary action against responsible authorities. Advocates Vijay Chandra Srivastava and Sunita Sharma represented the petitioners, arguing in court about administrative negligence, poor arrangements, and contamination of the Ganga water during the Maha Kumbh.

In response to the incident, the state government has established a three-member judicial inquiry commission led by retired High Court Justice Harsh Kumar. The commission also includes former IAS officer D.K. Singh and former IPS officer V.K. Gupta.