On Wednesday, the Karnataka government directly held Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responsible for the stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium that resulted in 11 fatalities, informing the High Court that no authorization was requested for the event and that the organizers had instead “invited the whole world” via social media.
The submission was made during the resumed hearing of petitions submitted by four individuals, including RCB’s marketing head Nikhil Sosale, who have contested the legality of their arrests related to the incident. The issue is being considered by a one-judge panel led by Justice SR Krishna Kumar.
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the state, informed the court that RCB presented several accusations against RCB and its associates. The state government identified the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a party accountable for the incident, claiming that an agreement existed between RCB and BCCI concerning security, gate, and ticket management for the event.
ALSO READ: RT-PCR test required for ministers before meeting PM: Sources
‘The whole world was invited’
“It was as if they invited the whole world,” said the Advocate General, pointing to multiple social media posts by RCB encouraging all fans to attend the victory parade without clarifying ticketing or entry protocols. He said that while the stadium could accommodate only 33,000 people, nearly 3.5 to 4 lakh people gathered at the gates. “They posted saying all supporters are invited to cheer,” he said, adding that these actions led to large-scale confusion, injuries and deaths.
The Advocate General informed the court that no formal authorization had been requested for the parade or the celebration event at the stadium. “They weren’t even asking for permission; they were providing information.” They stated, “We will arrange plans for the victory celebration.” “He mentioned a message he got on June 3, just an hour prior to the start of RCB’s last match, indicating they had already determined that they would proceed.” He stated that the organizers broke the law by failing to request procession and event permits at least seven days prior.
He also mentioned that the state only received a notification letter from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and did not get a formal request asking for permission for the event. “This completely breaches the law,” he stated, emphasizing that multiple entertainment events were arranged without authorization.
The Advocate General additionally charged RCB with deceiving the court. “They have approached this court with impure intentions. They have attempted to present it as a government operation. It wasn’t. It was a private event for RCB,” he stated.
In reply to the petitioners’ lawyer, who claimed that the Indian Penal Code does not support vicarious liability and that employees shouldn’t be held accountable for the organization’s supposed actions, the judge stated, “They cannot argue that the agreement in place is non-existent.” “They are also unable to challenge the agreement that RCB and DNA hold accountability.”
