The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a Writ Petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, highlighting the alleged failure of authorities in preventing stampedes at large religious gatherings, particularly the recent tragedy at Maha Kumbh 2025 in Uttar Pradesh.

The stampede claimed around 30 lives and left several others injured, raising serious concerns over crowd management and public safety.

The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar remarked, "It's an unfortunate incident, something which is of concern, but move the High Court."

During the hearing, Advocate Vishal Tiwari appeared in person, and Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the State of Uttar Pradesh.

At the outset, the petitioner appearing in person contended, "These incidents of stampedes have become regular."

To this, the CJI said, "Please move the High Court, It is an unfortunate incident, something which is of concern, but move the High Court."

Rohatgi informed the bench that another petition already moved before the Allahabad High Court.

Taking note of the submission, the Court refused to entertain the PIL, and granted liberty to move the High Court.

About the PIL

The petition filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari contends that despite past tragedies, including the 1954 Kumbh Mela stampede, no substantial improvements have been made in administrative planning and execution to prevent such incidents. It asserts that the Central and State Governments bear absolute liability for ensuring public welfare and safety during mass gatherings like the Kumbh Mela.

The PIL read, "From 1954 Kumbh mela Stampede accident to Maha kumbh 2025 Stempede in Uttar Pradesh which took around 30 lives and left several injured it is clear and visible to mention that nothing in the administration activity of our country has changed wherein such actions could have been avoided by showing reasonable duty of care and upfront repair and development activity. Such imposes absolute liability on the Central and State Government to put public interest at large and work in accordance to public welfare. Quite often there are reports of casualties occurring due to over crowd and lack of management by the administration and its municipal bodies thereby causing severe public casualties."

“The event of Kumbh is one of the biggest and leading religious events in our country. With people from across the nation participating, it becomes the collective responsibility of all states to ensure the safe and secure visit of their residents,” the petition stated.

The PIL alleged negligence on the part of state authorities and municipal bodies, pointing out that while elaborate security measures are taken for VIPs, the general public often faces mismanagement, overcrowding, and inadequate safety arrangements. The petition highlights disparities in administrative response, questioning why the movement of common pilgrims is frequently disrupted for officials, politicians, and religious figures while ordinary attendees are left vulnerable to chaotic conditions.

The petitioner has urged the Court to direct the government to take immediate measures, including enhanced security, medical assistance, transportation, and crowd management protocols, to prevent such tragedies in the future. The plea also sought a thorough investigation into the lapses that led to the recent stampede and the fixing of accountability on responsible officials.

"There are several questions which are brewing up from this horrific incident of stampede, thereby questioning the duty and lapse of State Government and Municipal Corporations. Apart from the failure of maintaining and administering the supervision, the authorities have also failed in controlling the crowed gathered for the event," the PIL read.

Prayers in the PIL

The PIL has sought for the following prayers:

1. Issue a writ of mandamus/directions to all Respondents States to work Collectively for the safe and secure Visit of devotees at Maha Kumbh and implement the Suggestions given in Grounds of this petition and direct that-

a) All States shall establish in proper manner their facilitation centres at Prayagraj, the Maha Kumbh. These centres shall provide and display the basic information regarding the safety measures and guidelines to the persons coming from their states. In emergency, these centres shall be ready for any assistance.

b) Arrangements shall also be made for Announcements, display boards showing direction, roads, etc in other languages so that people of different languages and cultures may not face problems and can get help easily in any kind of emergency situation.

c) The All State Governments shall also arrange Electronic mode messages to send the message SMS, WhatsApp message of basic guidelines and safety measures to be followed by the devotees, so that easily people may get information.

d) All States Governments with coordination of Uttar Pradesh Government shall also deploy its small Medical team at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh comprising of Doctors and Nurses so that at the time of medical emergency there may not be shortage of Medical staff;

e) The VIP movement shall not effect or create danger to the common devotees safety and maximum space for entry and exit of devotees at Maha Kumbh shall be provided

2. Issue writ of mandamus/directions to the Respondent No.2 State of Uttar Pradesh To Submit Status Report on Maha Kumbh 2025 Stampede Incident took place on 29-1-2025 and also direct to initiate legal Action against the Person’s, Authorities and Officials for their Negligent Conduct.

Incidentally, on January 27, the Bench led by Justice BV Nagarathna had suggested to Advocate Vishal Tiwari, "An Advocate must avoid being a litigant and a surety," highlighting the professional risks involved. Thereafter, the Bench had dismissed a writ petition challenging aspects of dowry laws and criminal provisions after the petitioner, appearing in person, sought to withdraw the plea.

Cause Title: Vishal Tiwari v. Union of India & Ors. [W.P.(C) No. 86/2025; Diary No. 5459 / 2025]

Chief Justice Sanjiv KhanaJustice Sanjay KumarPublic Interest Litigation

Sukriti Mishra

Legal Correspondent

Sukriti Mishra is a Legal Correspondent at Verdictum. She extensively covers the Supreme Court. She has completed her graduation with BA. LL.B (Hons.) from The ICFAI University, Dehradun. Sukriti started covering courts in March 2022, she has previously worked with another legal news portal, where she extensively covered Delhi High Court and Trial Courts. She believes Legal Journalism gives her creative freedom and legal in depth practical knowledge. She enjoys the diversity of her profession. Sukriti truly believes in bringing the raw courtroom exchanges to the general public through proper channels, especially with the high legal awareness in society.