On Monday, the Uttar Pradesh Government informed the Allahabad High Court that it has officially expanded the scope of the Judicial Commission investigating the tragic Maha Kumbh stampede. This decision comes after the High Court suggested broadening the inquiry to cover not only the causes of the incident but also the loss of life and property, if any.
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The notification, issued on February 22, 2025, clarified that the expanded investigation will now include assessing the coordination between the Mela administration, District Administration, and Health Services Administration. This step aims to ensure a thorough examination of administrative actions before, during, and after the incident.
"Considering the gravity of the matter, after further deliberation, the Governor, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section-3 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, hereby expands the scope of inquiry specified to the said Commission of Inquiry," the notification reads.
The expansion followed an oral direction from a division bench led by Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra. The bench had emphasized the need for a broader investigation during the last hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Suresh Chandra Pandey regarding the missing persons after the stampede.
Key Objectives of the Expanded Inquiry:
- Identify Causes and Circumstances of the Stampede: The commission will investigate what led to the incident at the Sangam holy dip point on January 29, 2025.
- Assess Loss of Life and Property: The inquiry will evaluate the number of casualties, injuries, and property damage.
- Examine Administrative Coordination: The investigation will review how effectively the Mela administration, district authorities, and health services collaborated during the event.
"Transparency in the inquiry is crucial to restoring public confidence," the bench noted, highlighting the importance of a detailed, unbiased investigation.
The UP Government had earlier constituted a three-member judicial commission chaired by retired Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Harsh Kumar, to investigate the incident. Following the expanded scope, the commission’s tenure has been extended by one month, starting from March 1, 2025.
Despite reports of 30 officially confirmed deaths, ground investigations suggest the actual toll may be as high as 79. This discrepancy prompted the High Court to stress the importance of accurate casualty documentation.
On February 3, the Supreme Court declined to entertain a separate PIL seeking action against state officials. Chief Justice of India advised the petitioner, Advocate Vishal Tiwari, to approach the Allahabad High Court instead, noting the existing judicial commission.
"It is an unfortunate incident, something which is of concern. But go to the High Court. There is already a judicial commission constituted," the CJI remarked.
Advocate Tiwari had also called for nationwide policies to prevent future stampedes at large religious gatherings, stressing that such incidents were becoming alarmingly frequent.
