Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: The judicial report on the 2024 Hathras stampede, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 121 people, has been handed over to the Uttar Pradesh government and is likely to be presented in the legislative assembly during the current budget session.
This follows the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet’s approval to table the report before the Vidhan Sabha.
The devastating stampede occurred on July 2, 2024, during a Satsang organized by self-styled godman Bhole Baba, also known as Suraj Pal, in Fulari village, Hathras district. The event attracted an estimated two lakh devotees, despite permission being granted for only 80,000 attendees.
Following the incident, the Uttar Pradesh police compiled a 3,200-page chargesheet against 11 individuals in connection with the tragedy. However, according to defense lawyer AP Singh, the chargesheet does not include Suraj Pal (Bhole Baba), who conducted the Satsang.
On July 12, 2024, the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) requesting the appointment of a five-member expert committee—under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge—to investigate the incident.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud acknowledged the seriousness of the tragedy but stated that the High Court is well-equipped to handle the matter.
“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 filed the PIL.
The plea sought directives for the state government to submit a status report on the Hathras incident and to initiate legal action against responsible individuals and officials for alleged negligence. Additionally, it urged all state governments to establish safety guidelines to prevent such stampedes at large public gatherings.
The report’s findings and further legal proceedings will be closely watched as the state government prepares to address the matter in the legislative assembly.