Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the state government and IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash on a petition filed by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the owner of the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
RCSPL has challenged certain observations made by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Bengaluru bench in its July 1 order, which quashed Vikash’s suspension. The tribunal had prima facie blamed RCB’s social media activity for drawing a massive crowd outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, where a stampede resulted in the tragic death of 11 people.
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‘Violation of Natural Justice,’ Says RCB Owner
RCSPL, in its petition, stated that it was not a party to the proceedings before the tribunal and hence the observations attributing responsibility to the company were passed in violation of natural justice.
“The tribunal has acted beyond its jurisdiction and made findings that may prejudicially affect us in ongoing probes, without giving us a chance to be heard,” RCSPL argued, terming the tribunal’s findings factually and legally flawed.
The company also raised concerns that the tribunal’s remarks could influence ongoing inquiries, including a magisterial investigation into the stampede incident.
Court to Hear Case on July 17
A division bench headed by Justice S.G. Pandit took up the matter and posted it for further hearing on July 17.
On the same day, the High Court was also scheduled to hear the state government’s petition challenging the CAT’s decision to set aside Vikash’s suspension. However, that hearing was adjourned at the request of Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty.
The bench cautioned that no further adjournments would be entertained, citing an assurance from Vikash Kumar Vikash that he would not initiate contempt proceedings over delay in implementing the reinstatement order.
Read Also: Bengaluru Stadium Stampede: Centre Approves Suspension of 3 Senior IPS Officers
Background
The suspension of IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash was linked to alleged lapses in crowd management on June 4, the day of a promotional event involving RCB at the stadium. The CAT had not only overturned the suspension but also made remarks that RCB’s online publicity had played a role in the unexpected surge in footfall, which led to the deadly stampede.
