Karnataka drafts law to penalize event organizers with jail, Rs 5 lakh fine for stampede deaths

In the wake of the tragic stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebration, which claimed 11 lives, the Karnataka government is preparing to introduce a new bill aimed at preventing such incidents and ensuring accountability.

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According to the proposed legislation, any stampede or crowd-related incident resulting in injuries or fatalities during public events such as rallies, gatherings, or celebrations will hold the organizers legally responsible. The draft bill suggests a maximum punishment of three years imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 5 lakh for organizers if such incidents occur due to negligence in crowd management.

This bill is being jointly formulated by the Revenue Department, in coordination with the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Department. The primary objective is to implement effective crowd control measures and enforce responsibility among event organizers when planning mass gatherings.

As per the draft, if a stampede leads to death or causes severe physical harm, stringent legal action will follow. The bill emphasizes preventive mechanisms, accountability, and proactive planning for crowd safety. It seeks to bring structural reform in how large-scale events are conducted across Karnataka, particularly in high-density zones and public venues.

This legislative move follows public outrage and administrative concern after the recent stampede, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to safeguard lives.