Karnataka's New Crowd Control Bill Proposes Strict Penalties

Bengaluru, August 21 (PTI) — The Karnataka government has introduced a new bill aimed at enhancing crowd control measures, proposing severe penalties for organizing events without permission, civil disturbances, and "crowd disasters".

The proposed legislation, named the Karnataka Crowd Control (Managing Crowd at Events and Places of Gathering) Bill, was tabled in the Assembly just over two months following the tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives and left many others injured.

Under this new legislation, individuals planning to organize any event that may attract large gatherings must secure permission from the relevant authorities. For events expecting fewer than 7,000 people, the local police station officer is authorized to grant permission after conducting the necessary inquiries.

If the anticipated crowd size ranges from 7,000 to 50,000, the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the respective jurisdiction is empowered to provide the required permission, following a review.

For gatherings exceeding 50,000 attendees, the jurisdictional Superintendent of Police or the Commissioner of Police must grant the required permission after a thorough inquiry.

The bill further stipulates that organizers, or those attempting or aiding in the organization of unauthorized events, could face imprisonment ranging from three to seven years, a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, or both.

The bill also addresses those who incite or attempt to incite disorder during events through rumors, threatening violence, property destruction, or other illegal acts. Such offenses could lead to a penalty of up to three years in jail, a fine of Rs 50,000, or both.

In instances of crowd disasters causing injury or death, those responsible would face imprisonment from three to seven years for injuries, with ten years to life sentences for fatalities.

The proposed bill further outlines penalties for disobeying police orders to disperse, which could include a Rs 50,000 fine and a month of community service.

Once enacted, all offenses under this legislation will be categorized as cognisable, non-bailable, and will be tried by a first-class judicial magistrate.

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