High Court Orders Disclosure of Status Report in RCB Stampede Case
In a significant move to ensure transparency and accountability, the Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to disclose the complete status report related to the IPL 2025 stampede incident during a Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fan event. The court’s order came in response to a series of public interest litigations (PILs) filed by civil rights groups demanding clarity on the investigation’s progress.
Court Expresses Concern Over Delayed Investigation
During the hearing, the High Court expressed strong displeasure over the slow pace of the investigation and the lack of public communication regarding those held responsible. The bench noted that given the severity of the tragedy, where multiple lives were lost and dozens injured, the public has a right to know the current status and findings of the probe.
State Government Asked to File Affidavit
The court has ordered the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary to submit a detailed affidavit within the next 10 days, enclosing the judicial panel’s interim report, FIR details, and internal departmental communications related to the event. The bench warned of serious consequences if there was any attempt to withhold or delay critical information from the court or the public.
Transparency Essential for Public Trust, Says Court
The High Court emphasized that transparency is crucial to rebuilding public trust in law enforcement and event management systems. The bench also noted that families of victims deserve justice, and hiding behind procedural delays or political pressures would only damage institutional credibility further.
Petitioners Demand Accountability and Action
The PILs submitted by citizen groups demanded not just disclosure but also swift prosecution of negligent officials from RCB, KSCA, the Bengaluru Police, and civic authorities. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” one petitioner’s counsel remarked, urging the court to monitor the probe’s timeline closely and ensure timely compensation to victims.
Next Hearing Scheduled; Public Release Expected
The next hearing has been scheduled for early next month, by which time the status report is expected to be made public. The High Court has clarified that it will take a zero-tolerance stance toward administrative lapses and will ensure that those responsible for the stampede are held fully accountable. This ruling marks a pivotal step in bringing justice and clarity to one of the most tragic off-field incidents in IPL history.