The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has overturned the suspension of senior police officers, including Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vikash Kumar Vikash, who were suspended following the fatal stampede outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. The tribunal's decision criticized the Karnataka government's handling of the situation, stating that the suspension orders were issued in a "mechanical manner" and lacked sufficient grounds or convincing evidence.
The stampede occurred when a massive crowd gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of 11 people and injuries to over 50 others. Following the tragedy, the state government suspended several police officers, including the Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Shekhar Tekkanavar, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cubbon Park Division) Bala Krishna, and Cubbon Park Police Station Inspector Girish, along with Vikash.
Vikash Kumar Vikash challenged his suspension order before the CAT, arguing that it was issued without a show cause notice or an opportunity for him to present his case. His counsel further contended that suspension is an extreme measure, only justified in cases of grave misconduct, corruption, or criminal negligence. The CAT bench, comprising Justice B.K. Srivastava and Member Santosh Mehra, concurred with Vikash's arguments, noting the lack of convincing materials to support the suspension order. The tribunal directed the state government to reinstate Vikash to his former position.
The CAT also addressed RCB's role in the events leading up to the stampede. The tribunal pointed out that RCB had not obtained the necessary permission to hold a victory parade and had publicized the event on social media, attracting a massive crowd to the stadium. The stadium, with a capacity of 35,000, was overwhelmed by an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 people. The CAT acknowledged the police's lack of time to make adequate arrangements for such a large gathering, stating that they were not "Gods or magicians" with magical powers to manage the situation in such a short time. The tribunal observed that RCB's actions were prima facie responsible for the large gathering.
Furthermore, the CAT urged the state government to consider extending similar relief to the other suspended police officers. It emphasized that once a court clarifies the law in favor of one citizen, others in similar situations should not be forced to seek individual redress.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the government will consider appealing the CAT order. The CAT's decision has sparked debate regarding administrative accountability and event management responsibilities in high-profile public gatherings.
