Judicial Commission Submits Final Report On Hathras Stampede

The judicial report on the 2024 Hathras stampede, which claimed approximately 121 lives, has been submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government.

Authorities will likely present it in the legislative assembly during the ongoing budget session.

The report’s presentation follows approval from the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet to table it before the Vidhan Sabha.

The tragic incident occurred on 2 July 2024, during a ‘Satsang’ led by self-styled godman Bhole Baba, also known as Suraj Pal, in Hathras’ Fulari village.

The stampede resulted in the deaths of 121 people, including women and children.

Reports indicate that while permission granted for 80,000 attendees, the event attracted over two lakh devotees, leading to overcrowding.

Chargesheet Filed Against 11 Accused In Hathras Stampede Case

The Uttar Pradesh police have prepared a 3,200-page chargesheet against 11 individuals in connection with the incident.

According to defense lawyer AP Singh, the document however does not mention Bhole Baba, who conducted the ‘Satsang’.

The Supreme Court declined to consider a PIL on 12 July requesting the formation of a five-member expert committee, overseen by a retired apex court judge, to investigate the Hathras stampede incident.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, acknowledged the gravity of the incident but stated that the High Court should address the matter.

The bench advised the petitioner to approach the High Court, emphasizing that lower courts have the necessary authority to handle such cases.

“Everything does not have to come to the Supreme Court under Article 32. You can approach the High Court. They are robust courts. Of course, this is a disturbing incident,” the bench told advocate Vishal Tiwari, who had filed the PIL.

The plea sought directions for a committee to frame safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents at large public gatherings.

Additionally, the petition called for the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a status report before the Supreme Court and take legal action against those responsible for negligence.

It also urged the court to direct all state governments to issue safety protocols for public gatherings, particularly religious events, to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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