The Karnataka High Court on Monday (June 23) appointed senior advocate S Susheela as amicus curiae to assist in the suo motu proceedings initiated in connection with the stampede that took place outside Chinnaswamy Stadium during the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) 2025 IPL victory.

A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V M Kameshwar Rao and Justice C M Joshi passed the order while hearing the matter.

The court noted:
"Pursuant to the last order, senior counsel for KSCA and DNA are present and have sought time to file their replies. Since the court has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, we find it appropriate to appoint an amicus. Accordingly, we appoint Senior Advocate S Susheela to assist the court. The Registry is directed to furnish the petition, along with all relevant documents and the status report submitted by the State, to the amicus."

In the previous hearing, the court had issued notices to newly impleaded respondents — the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which manages the RCB team, and the event management firm DNA Entertainment Ltd.

During Monday’s hearing, the court was informed that representatives of the newly added respondents were present. The Bench orally observed:
"We want to hear the parties on whether the status report should be permitted in sealed cover. Today, we will appoint the amicus curiae in the case."

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, appearing for the State, submitted:
"We understand that without access to the status reports, the amicus would be unable to assist the court meaningfully."

The Bench then addressed the amicus:
"Please go through the materials. You may submit a statement of objections or a note, as appropriate."

The matter is now listed for further hearing on July 1.