The Supreme Court Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar on 3rd February 2025, declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking action against Uttar Pradesh officials over the recent Maha Kumbh Mela stampede and directed the petitioner, Advocate Vishal Tiwari, to approach the Allahabad High Court. The CJI noted that a judicial commission was already investigating the incident.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the UP government, confirmed that a judicial inquiry was underway and that a similar petition had been filed in the High Court.

The petitioner who alleged administrative negligence urged the Court to establish a ‘devotee aid cell’ and formulate policies for better crowd management at large religious gatherings. The plea also sought directions for deploying medical aid teams from various states.

The stampede, which occurred at the Sangam holy dip point on 29th January 2025, reportedly resulted in about 30 to 39 deaths.