OHRC takes suo motu cognizance of Puri stampede, seeks reports by Aug 12

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) officially took cognizance of the stampede incident that occurred on June 29, near Shree Gundicha Temple in Puri during the annual Rath Yatra festival.

The tragic event, which resulted in the death of three persons and left over fifty injured, has triggered a suo motu public interest case at the Commission following a complaint filed by senior advocate Nishikant Mishra.

OHRC Seeks Accountability from Top Officials

Taking up the matter on humanitarian grounds, the OHRC, in its June 30 order, has directed senior district authorities including the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the Collector and District Magistrate of Puri, and the Superintendent of Police, Puri, to submit detailed reports on the incident by August 12, 2025.

The Commission, in its order, stated that there was an urgency to identify both the cause and lapses that led to the crowd surge and emphasised the importance of ensuring non-recurrence during the remainder of the Rath Yatra festivities.

Immediate Medical Attention Recommended

In its interim directives, the OHRC has recommended prompt medical treatment for all those injured in the stampede.

While no mention was made of compensation in the Commission’s initial order, it insisted that remedial measures be put in place without delay to support the injured devotees and maintain order during the ongoing festival.

Public Interest Case Based on Legal Complaint

A formal complaint by Advocate Nishikant Mishra cited serious concerns over the failure of crowd control near the Shree Gundicha Temple during one of the most sensitive phases of the Rath Yatra.

The complainant requested the Commission to investigate administrative accountability, citing potential human rights violations arising from mismanagement and negligence.

The case has now been admitted under public interest litigation (PIL). A Division Bench comprising Chairperson Justice S. Pujahari and Member Sri Asim Amitabh Dash is overseeing the proceedings.

Next Hearing on August 12

The case will be heard next on August 12, 2025, where the OHRC will review the submissions made by the three key Puri district authorities and decide on further legal or procedural action. 

The outcome may influence future protocols for crowd management during major festivals in Odisha, particularly those held in high-density pilgrimage zones like Puri.