Karnataka High Court RCB Stampede Case: Franchise Challenges Tribunal's Remarks

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging the Central Administrative Tribunal's (CAT) remarks holding it responsible for the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The IPL team filed a petition contending that the CAT's adverse observations were made without giving RCB an opportunity to present its defense, violating principles of natural justice. Despite not being a party before it, the tribunal held RCB responsible. The findings are contrary to natural justice as RCB was not heard. The plea, filed through advocate Raghuram Cadambi, stated that the stamped occurred after massive crowds, estimated between three and five lakhs, gathered to greet the team following its first-ever IPL title win in 18 years. The day after the victory, RCB posted about a victory parade on social media, which CAT described as a 'nuisance' created without necessary police permission. Suddenly, the RCB created the aforementioned type of nuisance without any prior permission. It cannot be expected from the police that within a short time of about 12 hours, the police will make all arrangements required in the police act or other rules, etc., the tribunal said in the order. The tribunal defended the role of the police, stating: 'Police personnel are also human beings. They are neither 'god' nor magician and also not having the magic powers like 'Aladdin Ka Chirag' which was able to fulfill any wish only by rubbing a finger.' Published by: Ajmal Published on: Jul 8, 2025