The Karnataka High Court has granted interim relief to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and DNA Entertainment Pvt Ltd, in connection with the stampede that occurred near Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025, following RCB's IPL victory. The court has restrained the police from taking any coercive action against officials of RCB and DNA Entertainment until June 12, 2025, and has scheduled the matter for further hearing on that day.

The tragic stampede, which resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries, occurred during a celebratory event meant to mark RCB's maiden IPL triumph. In the aftermath, an FIR was filed against RCB and DNA Entertainment, leading them to approach the High Court to challenge the FIR.

Justice S R Krishna Kumar, presiding over the case, addressed multiple petitions arising from the same FIR registered at Cubbon Park police station on June 5 and later transferred to the CID. The court has also taken suo motu cognizance of the incident.

During the proceedings, DNA Entertainment argued that the stampede occurred due to an unmanageable crowd of over 3 lakh people and inadequate police deployment outside the stadium. They further claimed that the police's use of lathi charge exacerbated the situation, leading to panic and disorder. DNA Entertainment's counsel, Senior Advocate CV Nagesh, stated that the Chief Minister himself had urged public participation in the event. "We did not invite anybody. The CM invited people!" he argued.

The court questioned the applicability of charges such as unlawful assembly, with Justice Krishna Kumar observing, "Unlawful assembly does not apply." DNA's counsel also cited the Union Carbide case to argue that the incident did not meet the threshold for charges related to culpable homicide. The court noted that RCB's alleged role in the FIR was limited to a single line stating that it had distributed free passes. The Advocate General (AG) maintained that RCB's social media posts triggered the public gathering and subsequent stampede.

Nikhil Sosale, head of marketing at RCB, was arrested on June 6 in connection with the stampede. His lawyer argued that the arrest was made under the Chief Minister's orders. Sosale's petition questioned the legality of his arrest and alleged political influence behind the police action. The court is also examining the jurisdiction, procedure, and political influence behind the arrest. Justice Krishna Kumar pointed out that Sosale was arrested by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) despite the case falling under the jurisdiction of Ashok Nagar police or Cubbon Park police. The court has scheduled a separate hearing for Sosale's petition on June 10.

The state government is expected to submit a status report on the tragedy before a division bench on June 10. The High Court has also granted relief from arrest to KSCA office-bearers.