Hathras stampede case: Supreme Court refuses to entertain PIL seeking probe, asks petitioner to move High Court

As the apex court asked the petitioner to approach the High Court with the plea, it observed that though this was a disturbing incident, it couldn't entertain the matter and High Courts are robust courts to deal with such cases.

The Supreme Court of India.

Credit: PTI File Photo

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear a PIL seeking a direction to appoint a five-member expert committee under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge, to enquire into the horrific Hathras stampede incident of July 2, 2024, resulting into loss of over 121 lives during a religious congregation.

A bench of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra asked the petitioner advocate Vishal Tiwari to approach the High Court.

"Of course, these are disturbing incidents but the High Court is equipped to deal with it," the bench said, even as the petitioner contended the matter was also related to availability of medical facilities.

Advocate Tiwari also sought a direction to the high-powered committee to suggest and frame guidelines and safety measures to avoid Hathras-like incidents in public gatherings.

He pleaded the court to direct the State of Uttar Pradesh to submit a status report into the stampede incident and initiate legal action against the persons, authorities and officials, responsible for their negligent conduct.