The Karnataka High Court has declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Nikhil Sosale, the Marketing and Revenue Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in connection with the tragic stampede incident that took place in Bengaluru. The matter came up before the court after Sosale moved a plea challenging his arrest by the Bengaluru Police in the early hours of June 6.
"The court observed that the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) is sufficient ground to justify an arrest," while also emphasizing the seriousness of the matter as it concerns an individual's personal liberty.
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During the hearing, Sosale’s legal team, led by Senior Advocates Sandesh J. Chouta and Nandakumar, argued that his arrest lacked any legal basis. They contended that the police action was carried out under instructions from the Chief Minister and without any supporting material or investigation on record.
Arrest cannot be made merely on the basis of directions from a superior authority, the counsel submitted, asserting that it remains the independent prerogative of the Investigating Officer under law.
Despite the arguments, the High Court maintained that the existence of an FIR gave the police the legal authority to carry out the arrest. The bench further addressed the defense argument regarding the suspension of the Station House Officer (SHO) who had carried out the arrest.
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"The suspension of the SHO is a policy decision of the State and does not invalidate the contents or legality of the FIR," the court noted, questioning the relevance of the suspension to the legality of the arrest.
After hearing the submissions from both sides, the bench decided not to grant any interim relief to Sosale. The court, however, adjourned further hearing of the matter to Monday, June 9, allowing more time for arguments and review.
The stampede incident has sparked widespread attention and led to the arrest and scrutiny of several individuals connected to the event’s organisation. Sosale’s plea forms part of the larger legal and political discussion around the handling of the case.
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The High Court’s approach highlights the importance of due process in criminal proceedings and sets a precedent that personal liberty claims must be balanced against the rights of law enforcement to act on registered complaints.
