In the wake of the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025, which resulted in 11 fatalities and over 56 injuries, the Karnataka government is drafting a stringent crowd-control bill. The proposed legislation, titled "The Karnataka Crowd Control (Managing Crowd at Events and Venues of Mass Gathering) Bill, 2025," aims to establish a legal framework for regulating gatherings at sponsored events and venues of mass gathering, encompassing political rallies, conferences, and other large-scale events, while specifically excluding religious events.
The bill, discussed in a recent cabinet meeting, seeks to fix accountability on event organizers and ensure stricter adherence to crowd management protocols. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil has indicated that the draft bill will be presented for cabinet approval in the next meeting before being tabled in the upcoming monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly.
One of the core tenets of the bill is to mandate prior permission from the jurisdictional police for organizing any event. This provision empowers the police to assess the planned event, modify the venue or timings, or even cancel it if deemed necessary. The bill outlines a series of offenses for event planners, including failure to obtain prior police permission, inadequate crowd control measures, and failure to provide compensation to victims in case of an incident.
The penalties for violations are substantial. Event organizers found guilty of contravening the law could face imprisonment for a term extending up to three years and fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh. Furthermore, offenses under the proposed law would be classified as non-cognizable and non-bailable, to be tried by a first-class magistrate.
Recognizing the need for victim compensation, the bill mandates that event organizers compensate those injured or the families of those who died in stampede-like incidents. In the event of non-payment, the government is empowered to recover the amount as land revenue arrears, including the option of auctioning the event planner's property.
The bill also addresses the issue of abetment and assistance, proposing punishments for individuals and intermediaries who provide assistance, platforms, or financial support to events that result in death, bodily injury, or stampedes. Such involvement could lead to a jail term of three years.
It's important to note that the proposed law does not extend to traditional and religious gatherings such as fairs, chariot festivals, palanquin processions, boat festivals, and other religious events pertaining to any religion, caste, or creed.
The drafting of this bill comes amid criticism directed at the state government following the June 4 stampede. Opposition parties have held the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister directly responsible for the lack of planning and poor execution during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebrations. The massive, unexpected turnout overwhelmed entry points, leading to chaos and the tragic stampede.
If passed, this bill would represent India's first comprehensive legal framework dedicated to holding event organizers accountable for crowd-related disasters. By setting a precedent for other states, Karnataka aims to ensure public safety at mass gatherings and prevent future tragedies. The bill is expected to be tabled during the upcoming monsoon session.
