New Delhi: Calling the stampede in Maha Kumbh an “unfortunate incident”, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a lawyer seeking safety guidelines and measures to be put into place for pilgrims at the event venue. The apex court however directed the petitioner to move the Allahabad High Court with his plea.
“It’s an unfortunate incident, something which is of concern. But go to the High Court,” the court said.
The PIL was submitted in front of a Supreme Court bench by advocate Vishal Tiwari in wake of a stampede in the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which claimed the lives of 30 people, leaving 60 others injured. A bench headed by CJI Sanjeev Khanna said that while the stampede at the religious festival was an unfortunate incident, the PIL should first be submitted to the Allahabad High Court. The PIL, which sought directions for all states to formulate guidelines and facilitation centres in Prayagraj, said, “All States Governments with coordination of Uttar Pradesh Government shall also deploy its small Medical team at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh comprising of Doctors and Nurses so that at the time of medical emergency there may not be shortage of Medical staff.” The petitioner also sought strict action against the administration and authorities for their negligence which eventually led to the stampede in the Maha Kumbh.
The PIL was filed in the top court on January 30, a day after the incident in the stampede in Prayagraj. The incident took place on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar. Earlier today, Opposition MPs in the Parliament also raised the issue of Maha Kumbh stampede and staged a walk-out, demanding a discussion regarding the same.
