IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging an order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) which blamed the team for the tragic stampede near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 people.
The incident took place on 4 June 2025, when a massive crowd—estimated between 3 to 5 lakh people—gathered after RCB announced a victory celebration for winning the IPL 2025 season.
The CAT, while hearing a case about alleged police negligence, had held that RCB’s announcement was “sudden” and did not give authorities enough time to prepare. The tribunal observed that RCB had failed to take prior permission from the police before publicizing the event on social media, calling this “nuisance.”
RCB, in its plea, has argued that:
- The team was not even a party to the proceedings before CAT.
- Despite this, CAT passed remarks holding RCB “prima facie responsible” without giving it any opportunity to be heard.
- A fact-finding inquiry by the Bengaluru District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner is still pending, so any findings on responsibility are premature.
RCB also clarified that, under its agreements with event manager M/s DNA Networks and the Karnataka State Cricket Association, those parties were in charge of securing all permissions and complying with regulations.
The team has asked the High Court to remove the adverse observations made by the tribunal, arguing they violate principles of natural justice and could prejudice the ongoing inquiry.
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