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Key provisions of the bill include a strong emphasis on accountability and safety, mandating several requirements for event organisers
A huge crowd had gathered outside Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4. (Credit: X)
In a significant legislative move, the Karnataka assembly has passed the 2025 Crowd Control Bill. The new law comes two months after the stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 during an event to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the Indian Premier League (IPL). The incident that killed 11 people and injured many others prompted the government to establish a robust legal framework for public gatherings. The bill was introduced by state home minister Dr G Parameshwara and has been cleared by the assembly.
Key provisions of the bill include a strong emphasis on accountability and safety, mandating several requirements for event organisers.
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Mandatory Event Details and Safety Measures
Event organisers are now required to submit a comprehensive application for an event permit.
This application must include detailed information on the purpose of the event, the anticipated crowd size, clear outline of the safety measures and protocols that will be implemented to ensure the crowd’s well-being and prevent any mishaps.
Strict NOC Requirements
To get approval, organisers must obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from several key government departments. This multi-agency approach is designed to ensure all safety aspects are thoroughly vetted from various perspectives, including the Public Works Department, to ensure the venue infrastructure can handle the crowd, the Emergency Services Department and the Fire Department, to confirm readiness for any potential emergency, the Health Department, to ensure medical facilities and personnel are on standby, and the Traffic Police Department, to manage traffic flow and ensure smooth ingress and egress for attendees.
The new law gives district magistrates the authority to postpone, cancel, or change the venue of an event if there’s a risk of public unrest or breach of peace. The bill also includes stringent penalties for violations. Organisers who fail to comply with the law may face imprisonment for up to three years and fines up to Rs 5 lakh. In cases of injury or death due to negligence, the organiser is liable to pay compensation.
The passing of this bill is seen as a crucial step by the Karnataka government to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of citizens at large-scale events.
About the Author
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi…Read More
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi… Read More
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