The Karnataka High Court has provided interim relief to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) management, preventing any coercive action against them in connection with the ongoing investigation into the recent stampede at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This order comes in the wake of a tragic incident where eleven people lost their lives and many more were injured during celebrations following the Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) IPL victory.

Following the stampede, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against RCB, the event management firm DNA entertainment private limited, and the KSCA, alleging negligence. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had instructed the state DGP and IGP to immediately arrest representatives from these organizations, citing "irresponsibility" and "carelessness." In response, KSCA President Raghu Ram Bhat and several other office bearers approached the High Court seeking to quash the FIR.

Justice S.R. Krishna Kumar heard the petition filed by the KSCA Managing Committee, which included President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A. Shankar, and Treasurer E.S. Jairam. The petition sought interim relief by staying the FIR and all proceedings arising from it, which was registered on June 5, 2025. The High Court's order grants protection from arrest to the KSCA officials, but also directs them to fully cooperate with the ongoing probe.

The KSCA has distanced itself from the incident, claiming it was not involved in managing spectators or fan access. According to the KSCA, their role was limited to renting out the venue, while crowd control and gate management were the responsibility of the event organizers (RCB and DNA entertainment) and the police. The association also pointed out that it had requested security arrangements from senior police officials prior to the event.

In its petition to the High Court, the KSCA argued that the FIR was filed without a preliminary inquiry and under public and political pressure. The association described the tragedy as an accident caused by a sudden surge in the crowd, asserting that no intent or negligence could be attributed to them. The plea also alleges that the FIR selectively names KSCA officials, RCB, and DNA to "divert public outrage" from government leaders and ministers who have also been accused of mishandling the situation.

The Karnataka High Court has also taken suo motu cognizance of the stampede, registering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and seeking a detailed report from the state government on the lapses that occurred. The court has asked the government to submit a report detailing the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

In the aftermath of the stampede, the state government has taken action against several officials. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the suspension of five senior police officers, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and DCP (Central Division). According to sources, Shankar is a close confidant of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

The police have arrested four people, including an RCB official. Authorities are currently searching for Shankar and Jairam, who have been absconding since the FIR was registered.

The KSCA has announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh each to the families of those who died in the stampede.