Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has filed a petition with the Karnataka High Court in response to comments made by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which seemed to implicate the IPL team in the unfortunate stampede that occurred outside Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4. In their application, RCB stated that they were not given an opportunity to present their case before the CAT issued such severe remarks regarding their involvement in the incident.

The stampede happened after a large crowd assembled at the stadium to commemorate RCB’s historic victory in IPL 2025, marking their first title in 18 years. Tragically, the celebration turned deadly, resulting in the loss of 11 lives and injuries to over 50 individuals. In the aftermath of the event, the Karnataka government took action by suspending several police officers, including ACP Vikash Kumar Vikash, citing inadequate crowd management.

Earlier this month, the CAT lifted the suspension of ACP Vikash and also made pointed comments about RCB. The tribunal deemed RCB “prima facie responsible” for attracting such large crowds without obtaining the necessary permissions in advance. It further remarked that police officials cannot be expected to manage such gatherings on such short notice, emphasizing that police personnel are human beings too.

RCB contests CAT remarks in High Court

Currently, the RCB team is asserting that these remarks are unjust and breach fundamental principles of natural justice, as the team was not involved in the case and was not afforded an opportunity to present its perspective. RCB contended that CAT issued comments against the franchise without hearing their account.

“Even though (RCB) was not a participant in the case, the Hon’ble Central Administrative Tribunal, Bengaluru, has also determined that (RCB) is prima facie accountable for the unfortunate event that took place on 04.06.2025 … The conclusions in the (CAT) Order against the (RCB) contradict the principles of natural justice since (RCB) was not a party to the proceedings… The Hon’ble Central Administrative Tribunal has made remarks against the (RCB) without providing an opportunity to be heard in the proceedings,” RCB expressed in its petition as cited by Bar and Bench.

Following their first IPL title victory on June 3, RCB utilized social media to announce a victory parade, inviting fans to celebrate alongside the players at Chinnaswamy Stadium for free. However, after the incident, RCB removed the social media announcement regarding free entry but proceeded with the victory celebrations, despite being informed of the circumstances, as stated by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar earlier.