New Delhi, February 28: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a plea seeking directives on effective crowd management, following claims of over 200 deaths in a recent stampede at the New Delhi railway station.
During the hearing, a bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and P K Mishra questioned the petitioner’s claim about the death toll. "Is there any proof that 200 have died?" asked the bench in response to the counsel’s statements.
The counsel representing the petitioner highlighted several videos uploaded on social media platform X as evidence of the stampede. He also pointed out that the Railways had issued notices to witnesses who were present during the incident.
The bench, however, noted that the concerned witnesses could individually approach the court. When asked if the petitioner believed that the relevant authorities were neglecting their responsibilities, the counsel emphasized that the petition primarily sought effective implementation of the National Disaster Management Act and related crowd management regulations.
Subsequently, the apex court dismissed the petition, advising the petitioner to approach the Delhi High Court regarding these concerns. The counsel had previously named all Indian states and Union Territories as respondents in the plea.
Earlier on February 19, the Delhi High Court directed Indian Railways to assess critical issues such as limiting passenger numbers and regulating the sale of platform tickets. This direction followed a separate Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the stampede incident at New Delhi railway station. Authorities have been asked to detail the actions taken in their affidavit before the high court.
The tragic incident at New Delhi railway station occurred on February 15, claiming the lives of at least 18 individuals. A massive crowd had gathered at the station, awaiting trains to Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh festival was underway.
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