The Crowd Safety Bill introduced in Karnataka aims to set forth regulations for mass gathering events, including political rallies and public conferences. This legislation seeks to enhance public safety by addressing significant gaps in existing event management frameworks.
The bill applies to various mass gathering events such as:
However, it excludes religious festivals like jatra, rathotsava, urus, and pallakki utsava, focusing primarily on non-religious events.
To ensure the safety of attendees, the bill mandates independent audits of:
In situations where safety conditions are not met, local police have the authority to cancel or postpone events.
Event organisers are required to adhere to mandatory standard operating procedures (SOPs) for:
This includes implementing security systems, access control, reserved seating arrangements, and advanced check-in processes to mitigate congestion.
Violating these established norms can lead to serious consequences for event planners, including:
These penalties aim to enforce accountability within the event management sector.
In the case of mishaps, event organisers are mandated to compensate victims or their families. If the compensation remains unpaid, the government may recover the amount as land revenue dues, including through property auctions of the organiser.
The necessity for this legislation arose following a tragic incident on June 4, 2025, where 11 individuals lost their lives due to a stampede during RCB's victory celebration. This highlighted critical lapses in crowd management and event oversight.
Prior to this, Karnataka lacked comprehensive laws governing non-religious public gatherings, making accountability a significant issue. The bill introduces clear liability provisions and deterrents against negligence by organisers.
The Crowd Safety Bill is a pioneering framework that institutionalises crowd safety measures while placing a legal burden on organisers. Its primary focus is on public safety, aiming to avert preventable disasters at political and entertainment events. Moreover, it empowers law enforcement to act proactively by postponing, relocating, or cancelling unsafe events, thereby promoting political and administrative reform.
Q1. What events are covered under the Crowd Safety Bill?
Answer: The Crowd Safety Bill applies to mass gathering events like political rallies, conferences, and public gatherings, excluding religious festivals.
Q2. What safety measures are mandated by the bill?
Answer: The bill requires independent audits of venue safety, crowd control SOPs, and emergency response protocols to ensure public safety during events.
Q3. What are the penalties for violating the Crowd Safety Bill?
Answer: Event planners can face imprisonment of up to 3 years or fines of up to ₹5 lakh for non-compliance with safety norms.
Q4. How does the bill ensure accountability?
Answer: The bill introduces clear liability provisions for event organisers, holding them responsible for any mishaps and requiring compensation for victims.
Q5. Why was this bill necessary in Karnataka?
Answer: The bill was prompted by a tragic incident in 2025 that revealed critical lapses in crowd management, highlighting the need for comprehensive regulation of public gatherings.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of the Crowd Safety Bill?
A) Environmental protection
B) Public safety at mass gatherings
C) Economic development
D) Educational reforms
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which events are excluded from the Crowd Safety Bill?
A) Political rallies
B) Conferences
C) Religious festivals
D) Public demonstrations
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What can happen if safety conditions are not met for an event?
A) Event may proceed as planned
B) Local police may cancel or postpone the event
C) Event organisers receive a warning
D) No action is taken
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the maximum fine under the Crowd Safety Bill for event planners?
A) ₹1 lakh
B) ₹3 lakh
C) ₹5 lakh
D) ₹10 lakh
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is the consequence of unpaid compensation by event organisers?
A) Organisers are exempt from payment
B) Compensation is waived
C) Government can recover it as land revenue dues
D) No consequences
Correct Answer: C
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