Following a stampede incident, the Karnataka government is introducing a new law to control crowds. Organizers found negligent will face up to 3 years imprisonment and a ₹50,000 fine.
Karnataka: Following the recent stampede outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka government is taking crowd control seriously. The state government is preparing a new crowd management bill. Under this law, organizers found negligent in managing events could face up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹50,000. This bill will specifically apply to sporting events, weddings, and political gatherings.
Government on high alert after Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede
Three weeks ago, a major stampede occurred outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium. The crowd, gathered to purchase tickets for an IPL match, became uncontrollable, resulting in several injuries. This incident compelled the state government to seriously consider crowd control measures. The Karnataka government is now working towards enacting a strict and clear law to prevent such incidents from recurring.
New bill: Punishment and fines for negligence in crowd management
The proposed bill clearly states that if negligence in crowd control is found during an event, the responsible individual could face up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50,000. This provision aims to make organizers more responsible and vigilant. This law is considered a significant step towards ensuring safety and order during events.
Which events will this law apply to?
The proposed bill will encompass events with a high probability of large crowds. This includes cricket and football matches, wedding functions, and political rallies. The government will set maximum attendance limits for these events to prevent overcrowding, thus improving safety measures.
Religious events and fairs excluded
The government clarified that this bill will initially apply only to events where instances of disorder or stampedes have recently occurred. As no major incidents have been reported at religious events, festivals, or fairs, they will be excluded from this law's scope. However, the law's scope may be expanded in the future if disorder occurs at such events.
Increased responsibility for organizers
After the new law is implemented, organizers will be responsible for making adequate arrangements to control crowds. This includes the number of entry and exit points, the deployment of security guards, provision of first aid, and preparedness for emergencies. The government wants organizers to focus equally on the safety of attendees, not just the grandeur of the event.
