Maha Kumbh stampede: CJI asks petitioner to make a request in SC Registry for early listing of plea

Chief Justice Khanna directs petitioner to approach Supreme Court Registry for urgent hearing on Maha Kumbh stampede deaths.

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Thursday (January 30, 2025) asked a petitioner seeking an urgent hearing of his plea for a direction to the Uttar Pradesh government to file a status report on stampede deaths at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj to approach the Supreme Court Registry.

In an oral mentioning, Chief Justice Khanna informed petitioner-advocate Vishal Tiwari to make a written application to the Registry, mentioning the reasons for requesting an early listing of the case.

The petition has alleged “lapses, negligence and utter failure of administration” on part of the Uttar Pradesh State administration. Media reports said at least 30 people lost their lives and over 60 were injured in the stampede.

The petition has urged the apex court to direct the Uttar Pradesh government to submit “a status report on Maha Kumbh stampede incident that took place on January 29, 2025 and also direct to initiate legal action against the persons, authorities and officials for their negligent conduct”.

On a larger note, Mr. Tiwari has sought directions from the court to frame safety measures and guidelines for pilgrims across the country in order to prevent such tragedies at large religious gatherings. The stampede broke out at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early January 29 as crores of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

The petition called for setting up aid and facilitation centres for devotees exclusively at the Maha Kumbh. It suggested other States coordinating with Uttar Pradesh to send small teams of doctors and medical staffers to meet emergencies.