Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging critical observations made by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that held the cricket franchise prima facie responsible for the tragic stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which claimed eleven lives and injured over fifty.

The CAT had made the remarks while setting aside the suspension of Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vikash Kumar Vikash, who had been held accountable for failing to manage the large crowd that had gathered to celebrate RCB’s historic Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 victory.

In its petition filed through Advocate Raghuram Cadambi, RCB has contended that the Tribunal passed adverse observations without affording the team an opportunity to present its side. “The findings in the CAT order are contrary to the principles of natural justice, as RCB was not a party to the proceedings,” the plea stated.

The Tribunal had noted that RCB failed to obtain the requisite permissions from State authorities in time, thereby making it difficult for the police to prepare adequate crowd control measures. It further commented that law enforcement could not be expected to act with magical efficiency on such short notice: “Police personnel are also human beings… they are neither ‘God’ nor Magician... like ‘Alladdin ka Chirag’.”

RCB has requested the High Court to expunge such remarks, asserting that they are unsubstantiated and legally non-binding.

Meanwhile, the State government has also challenged the CAT order in the High Court, arguing that ACP Vikash's suspension was warranted due to a clear dereliction of duty. The matter is scheduled to be heard on July 9