Retd. Judge Brijesh Srivastava Commission to Enquire Hathras stampede

The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a three-member judicial commission to investigate the stampede in Hathras during a Satsang on 3 July 2024 that led to the death of 121 people. The Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel issued the notification to this effect.

Members of the Judicial Commission 

The three-member judicial commission is headed by Justice Brijesh Kumar Srivastava, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court. Other members are retired IAS officer Hemant Rao and retired IPS officer Bhavesh Kumar Singh. The commission's headquarters is in the state capital, Lucknow.

Work of the Judicial Commission 

According to the official notification issued by the state governor, the commission will cover the various aspects of the tragedy which led to the loss of 121 lives, mainly women. The commission will examine whether the incident was a conspiracy, accident or any other possible planned criminal incident.

It will investigate whether the Satsang organiser organised the event according to the permission granted by the state government.

It will also examine various other issues and suggest recommendations to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

The commission is to submit its report within two months.

Hathras Incident 

The stampede occurred during the satsang organised by self-styled preacher Narayan Saakar Hari alias Bhole Baba. 

While the local authorities permitted the event organisers to allow 80,000 people, an unprecedented 2.5 lakh devotees of Bhole Baba turned up for the Satsang.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the dead persons and Rs 50,000 for the persons injured in the incident.

What is an Enquiry Commission? 

The Enquiry Commission is appointed by a state or central government under the Commissions of Inquiry Act of 1952.

The Commission of Enquiry is appointed to investigate any matter of public importance.

Powers and Functions 

• The commission has the powers of a civil court under the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, was replaced by Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita on 1 July 2024.
• It can summon the attendance of any person from any part of India and examine him on oath.
• It can order the discovery and production of any document 
• It can receive evidence on affidavits
• It can issue an order for the examination of witnesses or documents 

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath