The Karnataka government has introduced a new law aimed at regulating large gatherings and events. The Karnataka Crowd Control (Managing Crowd at Events and Places of Gathering) Bill was tabled in the state Assembly on Wednesday, over two months after a stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium killed 11 people and injured many on June 4. The incident occurred during a felicitation for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team after their maiden IPL title win.

Permission rules for gatherings

Under the proposed law, organisers must obtain prior permission before holding any event that could attract a large crowd.

  • For gatherings of fewer than 7,000 people, the local police station officer may issue permission after checks.

  • For crowds between 7,000 and 50,000, approval must come from the Deputy Superintendent of Police.

  • For gatherings of over 50,000 people, permission will be granted by the jurisdictional Superintendent of Police or Commissioner of Police.

Strict punishment for violations

The bill prescribes tough penalties for organisers of unpermitted events. Anyone found guilty may face three to seven years in prison, a fine of up to ₹1 crore, or both.

It further states: “Whoever disturbs or attempts to disturb or abets to disturb the orderly crowd in any event or function by way of creating rumours, statements, acts or causing any breach of peace including a threat of collective violence, destruction of property, or other unlawful acts shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine of rupees fifty thousand or both.”

If a crowd disaster leads to loss of life or property, those responsible will face severe punishment. Penalties include three to seven years in prison for injuries and 10 years to life imprisonment in cases of death.

The law also says that anyone disobeying directions from a police officer of sub-inspector rank or above, such as orders to disperse from a gathering, will face a ₹50,000 fine and one month of community service.

Once enacted, all offences under the bill will be treated as cognisable and non-bailable, and will be tried by a judicial magistrate of the first class.

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