The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has moved the Karnataka High Court against the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) for holding it responsible for the June 4 stampede outside Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium, which left 11 people dead and over 50 injured.

Represented by advocate Raghuram Cadambi, RCB argued in its petition that the tribunal made damaging remarks without giving the team a fair chance to explain its side, which violates the fundamental principles of natural justice.

“Despite not being a party before it, the tribunal held RCB prima facie responsible. The findings are contrary to natural justice, as RCB was not heard,” the plea said, according to a report by Bar and Bench.

The stampede happened after a massive crowd gathered outside the stadium to celebrate RCB’s historic first IPL title win in 18 years. Following the victory, RCB shared a post on social media announcing a celebratory parade and inviting fans to attend. The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) later criticised this action, describing it as a “nuisance” that was organised without prior approval from the police.

“Suddenly, the RCB created the aforesaid type of nuisance without any prior permission. It cannot be expected from the police that within a short time of about 12 hours the police will make all arrangements required in the Police Act or in the other rules, etc.,” the tribunal said in its order.

The tribunal also defended the police, stating, “Police personnel are also human beings. They are neither ‘God’ (Bhagwan) nor magicians and also do not have magic powers like ‘Alladdin ka Chirag,’ which was able to fulfil any wish only by rubbing a finger.”

The High Court will now hear RCB’s plea and decide if CAT’s remarks should be set aside.

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