High Court Stays Arrest Of Karnataka Cricket Association Officials
The Karnataka High Court has asked the State police to not take any precipitative action against the Karnataka State Cricket Association in connection with the stampede that took place near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru ahead of the victory celebration of Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Justice S R Krishna Kumar asked the authorities to not take any action till the next date of hearing subject to the condition that the association cooperate with the investigation/inquiry.
“By way of an interim arrangement, the registry is directed to relist on June 16. Without prejudice respondents are directed to not take any precipitative action against P2,3,4 subject to condition that petitioner cooperates with investigation/inquiry,” the court said.
During the proceedings, Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty objected to staying the investigation. He said that the unfortunate incident was serious and suggested that the proceedings be deferred by one week. He also argued that instead of staying the investigation, the association could approach the court for anticipatory bail.
“Let the investigation go on. Arrest is only if required. Keeping in mind the nature of offence milord, 11 deaths and number of injuries, this is serious in nature. Let the proceedings be deferred by one-week milords. Maybe they can file anticipatory bail,” the AG argued.
When Senior Advocate Ashok Haranhalli, appearing for the Association said that the Chief Minister had himself said that they should be arrested, the court pointed out that the CM had not named anyone and had only said that those responsible be arrested.
The petition states that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is the governing body of Cricket in the State of Karnataka. The association is affiliated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India and governs the Karnataka cricket team. The KSCA operates the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore which hosts International level Test, ODI and T20 cricket matches. However, IPL events are conducted by RCB through their service provider M/S DNA network private limited and the role of KSCA is very limited as it accommodates by extending the venue and infrastructure.
Further the ticketing and gate control is done by RCB alone and the entire collections go to the RCB and the role of KSCA is limited only to an extent of rental agreement. KCSA facilitates government permissions.
The plea mentions about the communication dated 3.6.20925 written to the Inspector Police, Commissioner of Police, Dy Commissioner of Police and Assistant commissioner of police seeking to extend security and about KCSA awarding Rs 5 lakhs each to the family of victims.
Stating about the steps taken by the government to investigate the incident by appointing a magisterial inquiry, suspending police officials and constituting an inquiry committed headed by a Former Judge of the High Court.
It is said “The FIR particularly naming the Petitioners along with RCB and DNA, is to keep someone in particular on the seat of guilt so that those objections and hate of the public against all the Government heads/ several ministers who are being accused of being responsible for the catastrophe be diverted they escape the wrath.”
Further it is claimed that the management of gates is the responsibility of RCB Franchise /DNA who execute under the direction of the police. There is absolutely no wrong that can be attributed to the Petitioner Committee or its office bearers as they stand aloof of any liabilities against the entire unfortunate incident.
Further it is said the police have registered the FIR under intense pressure and compelling circumstances without any preliminary enquiry by naming the petitioner/members of KSCA as accused.
The incident was an accident due to sudden rush and surge and no intention or motive can be attributed particularly to the petitioners because the gate management and crowd management was not the responsibility of KSCA and it was of RCB, Organizer and police.
By way of interim relief the petitioners have sought to stay FIR and all further proceedings arising out of FIR dated 5.6.2025.
