Allahabad High Court Summons Hathras Officials Over 2024 Stampede

Allahabad -- The Allahabad High Court has summoned the former District Magistrate (DM) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Hathras to appear before the court on January 15 in connection with the 2024 stampede that killed 121 people during a religious congregation in the district. The court has ordered the officials to submit affidavits explaining why their accountability should not be determined in the incident.

The stampede occurred on July 2, 2024, during a ‘Satsang’ organized by self-styled godman Narayan Sakar Hari, also known as ‘Bhole Baba’, in Fhulrai village. The stampede, reportedly attended by over two lakh people, mostly women, resulted in the deaths of at least 121 people, including women and children.

A bench of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav stated that the incident appeared to be a result of "administrative negligence" and emphasized the responsibility of the administration to ensure proper arrangements for such events, including adequate police force and medical facilities. The court highlighted the need for organizers to take appropriate safety measures, stating that past incidents have shown the potential for tragedy when these measures are neglected.

The court specifically referenced the upcoming 2025 Prayagraj MahaKumbh, urging the Prayagraj district administration to learn from the Hathras incident and ensure the safety of all attendees. The Allahabad High Court has directed its Registrar (Compliance) to provide a copy of the order to the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Hathras, the Uttar Pradesh Home Secretary, and the District Magistrate, Commissioner, and Police Commissioner of Prayagraj.

The Allahabad High Court's order comes after the Supreme Court in July 2024 refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an expert committee investigation into the stampede. The Supreme Court suggested that the petitioner consider filing the PIL before the Allahabad High Court. The PIL had sought directions to the UP government to submit a status report and initiate legal action against the organizers, authorities, and officials for their “negligent conduct”.