On June Maj 4, 2025, a stampede near Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 people. The tragedy occurred during celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)'s victory in the IPL 2025 final.Vogaan Men's T-Shirt and Shorts Set | Top & Shorts Night Suits Set | Night Wear for Men

The Karnataka High Court is hearing a writ petition filed by event management company DNA Entertainment Network Private Limited, seeking to quash the report of the inquiry commission headed by retired Justice John Michael D'Cunha (referred to as "Cunha"). The commission was constituted by the state government to investigate the stampede. The report holds DNA, RCB, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and certain police officials responsible for the incident and recommends legal action.Also Read; Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter Detects Key Discoveries at Lunar South Pole: Water & Sodium Elements Found

Background of the Incident

Details of the Event: Over 3 lakh fans gathered near the stadium to celebrate RCB’s IPL triumph. Delays in opening emergency gates amid the massive crowd surge led to a deadly stampede. An FIR was registered, and criminal cases were filed against DNA, RCB, and KSCA.

Inquiry Commission: The commission was formed on the basis of a suo motu PIL by the High Court. The report was submitted in July 2025, attributing the incident to the organizers’ recklessness. The state cabinet accepted the report and announced legal proceedings.

DNA's Petition: Key ArgumentsDNA filed the writ petition on July 24, 2025. The main grounds include:Violation of Principles of Natural Justice: The commission did not provide DNA a copy of the report before submission or allow cross-examination of witnesses, violating Sections 8(b) and 8(c) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

Bias and Hasty Report: The commission allegedly acted with bias, ignored DNA’s documentary evidence, and leaked findings to the media, causing reputational damage.

Primary Responsibility on Police: The stampede resulted from police failure in crowd control and inadequate deployment (with more personnel stationed at Vidhana Soudha). Lathi-charge reportedly worsened the situation.

Other Grounds: Parallel inquiries (including by the Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner) violate Article 20(2) of the Constitution. DNA seeks an interim stay on the implementation of the report.

State Government Action: Announced proceedings against commission chairman Raghuram Bhat, RCB’s Rajesh Menon, DNA MD Venkat Vardhan, and others.