14 hours Ago By TOI News Desk
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Monday said the stampede at Maha Kumbh was an "unfortunate incident" and refused to entertain a plea seeking "directions to put in place safety measures and guidelines for pilgrims from across the country." At least 30 people were killed and 60 others were injured in a pre-dawn stampede at Sangam area in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. A bench comprising chief justice Sanjiv Khanna and justice Sanjay Kumar directed the petitioner advocate Vishal Tiwari, who filed the PIL, to move to Allahabad high court with the plea.
They noted that the plea was filed in the Allahabad high court and should be not examined in the Supreme Court. "This is an unfortunate incident. But, you go to the Allahabad High Court," the bench told Tiwari.
The court noted senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi's submission, representing the UP government, confirming the initiation of a judicial inquiry. The PIL was submitted to the apex court on January 30, following the stampede incident in Prayagraj. The tragedy occurred during Mauni Amavasya, considered one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar.
Tiwari filed the petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, requesting guidelines for preventing stampedes and safeguarding fundamental rights of equality and life under Article 21..
