RCB Challenges CAT Ruling Over Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede Incident

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has taken legal action against a Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) ruling that deemed the franchise responsible for a tragic stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium, which resulted in 11 deaths. RCB argues that the CAT's findings were made without allowing the team to present its case and that an ongoing investigation by local authorities makes the tribunal's conclusions premature. The CAT criticized RCB for failing to secure necessary permissions for the victory celebrations following their IPL title win, leading to a massive crowd gathering. The situation raises questions about crowd management and the responsibilities of event organizers.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 8, 2025, 20:38 IST

Legal Action by RCB

Bengaluru: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), an Indian Premier League (IPL) team, has filed a petition with the Karnataka High Court contesting a ruling from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). This ruling held RCB accountable for a tragic stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium that resulted in 11 fatalities. The CAT's report indicated that RCB was 'prima facie responsible' for the large crowd of approximately 300,000 to 500,000 people that gathered following their first IPL championship victory.

According to the CAT, the announcement of the victory celebration was made abruptly, leaving law enforcement with insufficient time to manage the influx of fans. RCB argues that the CAT did not follow the principles of natural justice, as the team was not given a chance to present its side before the tribunal's conclusions were drawn. The franchise emphasized that an ongoing investigation by the Bengaluru District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner renders the CAT's findings premature.

The petition stated, 'Given that the factual findings are still pending and no definitive conclusion has been reached regarding the Petitioner's involvement in the incident, the CAT's consideration of these disputed facts is untimely.' RCB also clarified that it had an agreement with service provider M/s DNA and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which stipulated that these entities were responsible for securing the necessary permissions and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.

CAT's Findings on Permissions

Previously, a two-member bench of the CAT determined that RCB was 'responsible' for the gathering of 'approximately three to five lakh people' outside their home ground after their IPL title win on June 4. The bench, which included Justice BK Shrivastava and Santosh Mehra, criticized RCB for creating a 'nuisance' by proceeding with celebrations without obtaining the required regulatory permissions.

The CAT's 29-page order, issued on Tuesday, was in response to a case brought by Inspector General and Additional Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru (West), Vikash Kumar. Kumar was one of four police officers suspended by the state government for 'substantial dereliction of duty' and failing to seek necessary guidance, which allegedly led to the situation spiraling out of control, resulting in significant distress and loss of life.

Vikash has contested his suspension, and the CAT has overturned the government's order, ordering his reinstatement.

Lack of Required Permissions

The CAT's ruling highlighted that neither RCB nor its event management partner, S DNA Entertainment Network Private Limited, applied for the necessary permissions to hold the title celebration parade at the stadium. The tribunal noted that such events require an application to be submitted at least a week in advance, as per the Licensing and Controlling of Assemblies and Public Procession (Bengaluru city) order of 2009. However, RCB and DNA failed to comply with this requirement.

On the day of the IPL final, June 3, the CEO of KSCA, Shubhendu Ghosh, sent a letter to the Cubbon Park Police Station, indicating that if RCB won, there would be 'potential victory parades' around the stadium culminating in celebrations inside. While the parade route was shared, no formal permission was requested.

The CAT's order stated that at the time the letter was submitted, it was 'not certain' that RCB would win, and there was 'no request for granting permission' to hold the victory parade and celebrations. 'The organizer did not wait for the Police's response,' the order noted, adding that the letter was submitted at the last minute, leading to the commencement of the scheduled program.

Social Media Announcements and Crowd Control

The order detailed a timeline of social media posts made by RCB on June 4, starting with an announcement about the 'victory parade scheduled in Bengaluru.' Following the initial post at 7:01 AM, RCB shared a link on Instagram at 8 AM, stating, 'Army, we can't wait to be back to the Home of Champions and celebrate with all of you today. Details out soon.' At 8:55 AM, the same message was reiterated, featuring a statement from star player Virat Kohli. By 3:14 PM on June 4, RCB announced that a victory parade would take place at 5 PM, followed by celebrations inside the stadium.

The CAT criticized RCB for 'unilaterally' disseminating information about the celebrations without securing the necessary permissions or police consent. Although RCB advised fans to adhere to guidelines set by police and other authorities for a peaceful event, the lack of clarity regarding ticket distribution implied that the event was open to the public. This led to an overwhelming turnout at the venue, which has a capacity of only 35,000.

The order indicated that the police were already under significant strain due to a state-organized 'felicitation' for the players following their six-run victory at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. Consequently, the CAT concluded that RCB appeared to be 'prima facie responsible for the gathering of about three to five lakh people.' The order emphasized that RCB did not obtain the necessary permissions or police consent, resulting in a chaotic situation that left law enforcement unable to make adequate arrangements in the limited time available.

Conclusion

The CAT's ruling defended the police, stating they are 'human beings' and not capable of magically controlling such large crowds without proper preparation. The tribunal, which functions as a quasi-judicial body addressing issues related to government and public servants, noted that RCB is not a party to the proceedings, and its observations will not influence the ongoing inquiry led by ex-High Court Justice Michael da Cunha regarding the stampede.