Court Allows SOP to Operate Until the Enactment of the Karnataka Crowd Control Bill, 2025
In a recent development, the Karnataka High Court has issued an order allowing the temporary implementation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for crowd control and mass gathering management until the Karnataka Crowd Control (Managing Crowd at Events and Place of Gathering) Bill, 2025 is enacted into law. This decision was rendered by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha.
The SOP, prepared by the Government on January 13, 2026, aims to provide immediate guidelines for managing crowds at events and gatherings throughout the state. It was submitted to the court by the Advocate General, Mr. K. Shashikiran Shetty, who stated that the SOP incorporates suggestions from the Amicus Curiae, Smt. S Susheela.
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has referred the Bill for consultation, which includes essential safeguards for crowd management. The Advocate General assured the court that the SOP will be considered in the context of the impending Bill.
The court, while disposing of the writ petition filed by the High Court of Karnataka Bengaluru, did not find it necessary to issue further orders, granting the Amicus Curiae the liberty to seek revival of the petition if necessary. The bench expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Amicus Curiae and other counsels involved.
This decision highlights the court's proactive approach in ensuring that temporary measures are in place to manage crowd-related issues effectively while the legislative process is underway.
Bottom Line:
Karnataka Crowd Control (Managing Crowd at Events and Place of Gathering) Bill, 2025 referred by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for consultation. SOP prepared by Government to remain operative until the Bill is enacted into law.
Statutory provision(s): Karnataka Crowd Control (Managing Crowd at Events and Place of Gathering) Bill, 2025
