📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
In a recent development, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has listed the Hathras stampede case for judicial hearing in the Supreme Court. The petition, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, seeks the appointment of a five-member expert committee under the guidance of a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the tragic incident that resulted in over 121 deaths. Additionally, the petition calls for the establishment of safety guidelines for mass gatherings and public events.
The petition raises concerns over the responsibility and negligence of the State Government and Municipal Corporations in overseeing the event that led to the stampede at a prayer meeting organized by Narayan Saakar Hari, a self-styled godman in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh. It emphasizes the failure in crowd control and safety measures by the authorities.
Moreover, the petition urges the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report on the incident and take legal action against those responsible for the lapses in safety and crowd management. It also advocates for the issuance of guidelines by states to prevent stampedes during large gatherings and ensure the safety of attendees. The petition references past incidents like the Kumbh Mela stampede of 1954 and other tragic events to underscore the importance of public safety measures.
The Supreme Court is set to hear the petitions related to the Hathras tragedy, with the registry scheduling a hearing on the matter for Friday. The demand for a probe led by a retired top court judge and the submission of a status report by the Uttar Pradesh government are central aspects of the case. The tragic stampede at the satsang of ‘Bhole Baba’ highlighted issues of overcrowding and led to the loss of lives. The Special Investigative Team (SIT) investigating the incident has pointed out overcrowding as the primary cause of the stampede.
The Supreme Court’s involvement in addressing the Hathras stampede case reflects the judicial oversight being sought to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The demand for safety guidelines and accountability in organizing mass gatherings remains a crucial aspect of the petition, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future.
