RCB moves Karnataka HC against CAT remarks blaming it for Bengaluru stampede

The RCB has moved to the HC questioning the CAT's critical remarks in the Bengaluru stampede case

Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has moved to the Karnataka High Court and has filed a plea against adverse remarks recently made by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in the stampede case.

As per Bar & Bench, in the June 4 Chinnaswamy stadium stampede case, the CAT had said that the RCB seemed to be prima facie responsible for the large crowds that gathered at stadium which led to the stampede and loss of eleven lives.

The CAT also said that the company did not take proper State permissions on time which made it difficult for the police to take proper crowd control measures.

The CAT made these observations while granting relief to a police official who had been suspended in the aftermath of the stampede.

The RCB has now moved to the HC questioning the CAT's critical remarks against it, given that these comments were made unilaterally, without hearing the company's defence.

"Despite the fact that (RCB) was not a party before it, the Hon'ble Central Administrative Tribunal, Bengaluru, has also held that (RCB) is prima facie responsible for the unfortunate incident that occurred on 04.06.2025 ... The findings in the (CAT) Order against the (RCB) is contrary to the principles of natural justice as (RCB) was not a party to the proceedings... The Hon'ble Central Administrative Tribunal has made observations against the (RCB) without even giving an opportunity to be heard in the proceedings," RCB said in its petition filed through advocate Raghuram Cadambi, reported by Bar & Bench.

The stampede occurred last month after a large crowd gathered to celebrate RCB's win in the IPL 2025 for the first time in 18 years. 11 people died and over 56 people suffered injuries.

Following a public furore, the Karnataka government suspended several police officers on allegations that they failed to take adequate crowd control measures, including Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vikash Kumar Vikash.

The CAT set aside the suspension of ACP Vikash on July 1 and observed that the RCB appeared to be prima facie responsible for the huge crowds that gathered outside the stadium on June 4.

"The RCB created the aforesaid 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 in the other rules, etc. Police personnel are also human beings. They are neither 'God' (Bhagwan) nor Magician and also not having the magic powers like 'Alladdin ka Chirag' which was able to fulfil any wish only by rubbing a finger,” the CAT said.

“To control the aforesaid type of gathering and for making the proper arrangements sufficient time should be given to the Police," the CAT added.

The RCB has now moved the HC seeking to set aside such comments and clarify that these observations by the tribunal do not have any legally binding force.

The State has also approached the HC challenging the CAT's order, contending that there was a clear dereliction of duty by ACP Vikash to justify his suspension from service. This appeal will be heard by the HC on July 9.