Karnataka Government Proposes Strict Crowd Control Law After Bengaluru Stampede Tragedy

Bengaluru: In response to the tragic stampede in Bengaluru that claimed 11 lives and injured over 50, the Karnataka government has unveiled a draft bill aimed at enforcing stringent crowd control measures at public events. The proposed legislation, set to be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session, seeks to hold event organisers legally accountable for lapses in crowd management.

According to the draft, any organiser who fails to seek prior permission, manage the crowd effectively, or provide timely compensation in case of accidents could face imprisonment of up to three years and fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh.

The bill also applies to commercial events such as concerts, sports gatherings, and circuses. This includes measures for regulating capacity limits, mandating safety protocols, and real-time coordination with local law enforcement. Event organisers must now submit detailed safety plans and undergo inspections before securing approvals.

The move follows the deadly incident that occurred on June 4, during a massive celebration outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans had gathered after their historic win in the 18th season of the IPL. While the stadium has a capacity of 35,000, an estimated 2–3 lakh fans surged towards the venue, leading to a devastating stampede.