Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court challenging the Central Administrative Tribunal’s (CAT) remarks regarding the tragic stampede in Bengaluru on June 4. The tribunal had stated that the franchise was prima facie accountable for the mishap that led to 11 deaths.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their maiden IPL title on May 3, ending a 17-year wait. The franchise organized a victory parade the very next day to celebrate the historic win. However, the short notice left little time for the city administration to implement adequate crowd-control and safety measures.
RCB Blamed Prima Facie for Tragedy at Victory Parade
The Central Administrative Tribunal recently issued its first official statement on the tragic stampede. Notably, the tribunal stated that the franchise organized the event without obtaining prior permission, leaving little time for authorities to prepare.
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CAT cleared the Bengaluru Police of any wrongdoing, noting that expecting law enforcement to manage such a massive event with only 12 hours’ notice was unrealistic. The tribunal referred to the franchise’s actions as a “nuisance,” leading to the fatal incident.
“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,” a part of CAT’s statement read, as quoted by India Today.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Challenge CAT’s Order in Karnataka High Court
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has stated that the franchise was denied a fair opportunity to defend itself before being blamed for the stampede. In its petition, RCB alleged that it was unfairly held “prima facie responsible” despite not being included as a party in the proceedings.
“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, filed through advocate Raghuram Cadambi, stated, as reported by Bar and Bench.
On June 4, approximately 300,000 people assembled outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to watch RCB’s players following their IPL title win. However, confusion and inadequate security arrangements triggered a stampede.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Ended an 18-year Wait for an IPL Title
Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally ended their 18-year wait for an IPL title with a triumphant campaign in the 2025 season. Bengaluru had previously reached the final three times, in 2009 (vs Deccan Chargers), 2011 (vs Chennai Super Kings), and 2016 (vs SunRisers Hyderabad).
The franchise made it to the playoffs from 2020 to 2024 but failed to progress to the finals. In 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished second in the league standings with nine wins from 14 matches. They defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) with a dominant eight-wicket win in Qualifier 1 to book a place in the final.
They clinched the title with a narrow six-run victory over PBKS. With this win, Rajat Patidar became the first captain in the team’s history to lift the IPL trophy, ending nearly two decades of heartbreak for the franchise and its fans.
Also read: Royal Challengers Bengaluru brutally beats CSK again in this competition
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