No Action Will Be Taken Against RCB IPL Team Company, Event Firm DNA Till Thursday In Bengaluru Stampede FIR: State Tells Karnataka High Court

While hearing pleas by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL)–which manages RCB IPL team and event management firm DNA Entertainment Ltd to quash FIR against them in connection with the Bengaluru stampede, the Karnataka High Court on Monday took note of Advocate General's oral assurance that no precipitative action will be taken as the matters are pending. 

After hearing the parties Justice SR Krishna Kumar in its order dictated, "Petition filed by DNA and RCB, respondents to file reply by day after tomorrow with a gentleman's understanding that there will be status quo till then". The pleas are listed on Thursday. 

During the hearing the court asked the advocate general to show how allegations against RCB's managing team and DNA and how it is different.

Appearing for the State, advocate general Shashi Kiran Shetty while reading the FIR said that without permission RCB had conducted the event. He said that the invite was given to everybody by them and no permission was taken.

Meanwhile counsel for one of the parties said that the "CM invited everyone".

The court thereafter said, "Show me difference between FIR against KSCA and RCB, DNA? Show me types of allegations against KSCA, and how they are different against RCB and DNA. Are there independent allegation made against them".

Additional State Public Prosecutor B N Jagadeesha said that the composite allegations are against everybody and specific allegations against RCB.

The court however said that it was only a statement of facts. The advocate general said that it was showing tweets and that the "FIR is not an encyclopedia".

The court however said that based on the same FIR it had directed no coercive steps against Karnataka State Cricket Association officials.

The advocate general thereafter asked the court to keep the matter tomorrow, adding that the allegations are different. ASPP Jagadeesha said that the allegation against these petitioners was that they tweeted inviting people.

The court however said, "Show me a separate act. What is the offence let us be very clear. Do you call this allegation?"

The court said that there was one sentence where the State said that they (petitioners) issued free passes. To this the advocate general said, "Lordships are ignoring the tweets made by them and because of which people came, and stampede happened". However the court remarked that it will "read the tweets with the details mentioned in the FIR".

Meanwhile senior advocate CV Nagesh appearing for the petitioner pressed for interim stay of investigation arguing that there is no prima facie case against them. Referring to the sections alleged Nagesh said, "Causing hurt, how did I cause it. Similar how can offence of culpable homicide not amount to murder be applicable to me".

At this stage the court said, "We will hear the matter day after tomorrow. Till then you (AG) do not do anything. When matter is pending before me. You may instruct not to make arrest till we hear the matters. Their submission is that interim relief is given to KSCA so grant the same and on merits".

After Advocate General made an oral statement, Nagesh said, "Statement is made by Advocate General of the state, we trust him".

The court further said that the petition of only those who are in custody would be heard tomorrow. It further said to RCSPL and DNA's counsel, "In additional to managing events you have to manage the crowds also".

The advocate general said that their valuation is Rs. 1K crore and they have given Rs. 10 Lakh as compensation to deceased and they do not need any indulgence.

"We have to clean their dirty linen milords. They say RCB, DNA is not responsible. We have taken action against everyone," the advocate general said. To this the court said, "Closing statement would be that even court is responsible".

One of the counsel argued that in Mumbai (after India's T20 world cup win) when the parade was conducted no such incident happed.

The advocate general however said that here the tweet was viewed by over 13 crore people and 5 lakh people congregated after seeing it at the stadium.

Meanwhile Nagesh said, "CM had tweeted and invited the people". To this the advocate general said that an incorrect statement was made.

The court meanwhile said, "Whether they are involved or not it is premature as investigation is ongoing. The commission will decide the hierarchy of act of negligence. In this investigation also among accused....Assuming that it is said that tweet did not have any impact".

The advocate general said that petitioners had tweeted. To this the court said, "I am only saying that everything happened based on the tweet would be too premature". 

The matter is listed on Thursday.