In the aftermath of a celebratory event gone horribly wrong, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has delivered a scathing verdict on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise. Following RCB’s historic maiden IPL triumph, a massive gathering at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4 spiraled into a deadly stampede that claimed 11 lives and injured more than 50. In a strongly worded order, CAT held the franchise responsible for “creating nuisance” by organizing a public celebration without obtaining mandatory permissions.
Table of Contents
A Celebration Turned Tragic
What was meant to be a moment of joy and jubilation quickly devolved into panic and heartbreak. On June 4, the day after RCB clinched their first-ever IPL title, crowds swelled outside the stadium beyond control.
The police, already stretched thin from the previous night’s victory celebrations, were caught unprepared for the sea of fans that gathered following RCB’s social media announcements about a city-wide parade and in-stadium event.
Timeline of Events on June 4, 2025
| Time | RCB Action | Engagement |
|---|---|---|
| 7:01 AM | Victory parade announced on social media | 1.6 million views |
| 8:00 AM | “Army, we can’t wait…” post shared on Instagram | 426,000 views |
| 8:55 AM | Post with Virat Kohli’s quote shared | 760,000 views |
| 3:14 PM | Final announcement: Parade at 5 PM, celebrations at Chinnaswamy Stadium | 1.7 million views |
These posts sparked a frenzy. Nearly three to five lakh people gathered around a venue that can officially hold only 35,000.
CAT’s Damning Observations
The two-member bench comprising Justice B.K. Shrivastava and Santosh Mehra made it clear: RCB and their event partner, DNA Entertainment Network Pvt Ltd, failed to follow the law. According to Bengaluru’s Licensing and Controlling of Assemblies and Public Procession Order (2009), organizers must apply for event permissions at least seven days in advance. No such application was filed.
Instead, RCB sent a letter to the Cubbon Park Police Station on the evening of June 3, merely informing the police about the possibility of celebrations. The tribunal called this “last-minute communication” insufficient and observed that the organizers “did not wait for the police response” and went ahead with the programme.
“RCB created the aforesaid type of nuisance without any prior permission,” the order read, adding that their social media announcements contributed to the uncontrollable crowd buildup.
Police Left Helpless
The tribunal also noted that the Bengaluru Police were unfairly blamed. Five senior officers, including IG Vikash Kumar, were suspended for alleged dereliction of duty. However, the CAT overturned these suspensions and ordered their reinstatement.
The bench defended the officers, remarking: “Police are also human beings. They are neither God (Bhagwan) nor magicians and do not possess the powers of ‘Alladin ka Chirag’ to fulfil any wish instantly.”
Further complicating the situation, the Karnataka government had also planned a felicitation ceremony for the team, adding more stress to an already overwhelmed force.
The Legal Standpoint
| Entity | Action Taken / Finding |
|---|---|
| RCB & DNA Network | Did not file mandatory permissions under 2009 Order |
| Karnataka Govt. | Suspended five police officials |
| Vikash Kumar (IG) | Challenged suspension, reinstated by CAT |
| CAT Tribunal | Held RCB responsible for triggering uncontrolled crowd |
| Justice Michael da Cunha | Heading separate inquiry into the stampede incident |
While RCB is not a party in the CAT proceedings, these observations may influence ongoing investigations by the Karnataka government.
Social Media’s Role in the Disaster
RCB’s posts, including those promising “free passes” for fans, failed to provide clear instructions or limits. The tribunal noted that while the posts advised fans to follow “police guidelines,” they offered no clarity on how passes would be distributed — implying an open invite.
This led to:
- Assumptions of open access
- Unmanageable crowd sizes
- Stampede conditions outside the stadium
The police, despite their best efforts, simply didn’t have the resources or time to contain the crowd within safe limits.
What’s Next?
As the judicial and governmental inquiries proceed, this tragic episode serves as a grim reminder of the importance of planning, permissions, and public safety in high-profile events. The CAT’s verdict has drawn a clear line of accountability — one that underscores the need for responsible celebration, even in the face of sporting glory.
FAQs
What happened at the Bengaluru stampede after RCB’s IPL win?
A stampede broke out near M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, resulting in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries after RCB’s victory parade announcement.
Why is RCB being held responsible?
CAT observed that RCB organized the celebrations without securing mandatory police and civic permissions, causing uncontrollable crowds.
Were the police at fault for the stampede?
No. The CAT quashed suspensions of senior officers, stating they were overwhelmed and not given adequate time or notice to manage the crowd.
Did RCB officially seek permission for the event?
No. The tribunal confirmed neither RCB nor DNA Entertainment submitted a formal permission application as per local regulations.
Will there be legal consequences for RCB?
RCB isn’t a party in the CAT case, but a government-led probe under Justice Michael da Cunha is ongoing and may determine further action.
