Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has approached the Karnataka High Court to challenge remarks made by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that held the IPL franchise prima facie responsible for the stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. The stampede resulted in the tragic loss of 11 lives and injuries to over 50 people.

RCB's petition asserts that the CAT's observations were made without providing the team an opportunity to present its defense, thus violating principles of natural justice. The franchise argues that it was not a party to the proceedings before the tribunal, yet the CAT held RCB prima facie responsible for the unfortunate incident. Advocate Raghuram Cadambi filed the petition on behalf of RCB.

The CAT's remarks were made while it was addressing the suspension of police officials in the aftermath of the stampede. The tribunal had quashed the suspension order of senior IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash and others, stating that RCB had created a "nuisance" by posting about a victory parade on social media without obtaining the necessary police permission. The CAT noted that the team did not seek appropriate permission or consent from the police before announcing the victory parade, leading to a massive gathering of approximately three to five lakh people. The tribunal stated that it could not be expected of the police to make all the necessary arrangements within a short span of 12 hours.

RCB, in its petition to the High Court, is seeking to have the adverse remarks expunged and a declaration that the CAT's observations carry no legal weight. The team contends that it was not given a chance to explain its position before the CAT made its pronouncements.

The Karnataka government has also challenged the CAT's order in the High Court, specifically contesting the revocation of ACP Vikash's suspension. The government maintains that the officer failed in his duty and that his suspension was justified. The High Court is expected to hear this appeal on July 9. In the meantime, the High Court has questioned the suspension of the police officers, calling it an extreme step, and asked the government to justify whether it was proper to keep the officers under suspension, or whether shifting them to another post would have been sufficient.

The tragic stampede occurred after RCB's first-ever IPL title win in 18 years. Following the victory, the team posted about a victory parade on social media, which led to a massive influx of fans to the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Earlier, RCB's marketing head, Nikhil Sosale, approached the Karnataka High Court, claiming his arrest in connection with the stampede was illegal and violated his constitutional rights.