In response to a devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which resulted in at least 30 deaths and 60 injuries, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday. The incident, which occurred on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya, has prompted calls for stringent safety measures to protect the millions of devotees attending one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The PIL, initiated by lawyer Vishal Tiwari under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution, demands that the Centre, along with state governments, establish guidelines and regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. It emphasizes the fundamental rights of equality and life as outlined in Article 21, advocating for immediate governmental action to safeguard attendees.
Specifically, the petition seeks a writ of mandamus to compel state and central governments to implement effective crowd management and safety protocols. It proposes the creation of facilitation centers at the event, multilingual signage and announcements, and the use of modern communication tools like SMS and WhatsApp to spread safety information.
Moreover, the PIL highlights the need for better coordination among states, especially for medical services and emergency responses at the festival sites. It also calls for stricter regulation of VIP movements to avoid exacerbating crowd congestion, prioritizing public safety over VIP protocols.
Historically, the Kumbh Mela has been marred by several tragic incidents due to overcrowding and poor management, with deadly stampedes occurring in 1954, 1986, 2003, and 2013. These past tragedies underline the critical need for comprehensive and proactive safety measures.
The petitioner has requested the court to direct the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report on the recent incident and to take legal action against those found responsible for negligence. This legal push for accountability and improved safety measures underscores the ongoing challenge of managing such large-scale religious events, which draw devotees from across the nation and around the world.
