The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday refused to grant interim relief to Nikhil Sosale, the Marketing Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited), who was arrested in connection with the recent stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed 11 lives.
Bengaluru Stampede Case
Nikhil Sosale, arrested on June 5, had approached the High Court seeking urgent relief. His counsel, senior advocate Sandesh Chouta, argued that the arrest was illegal and cited a recent Supreme Court judgment stating that even a minute of unlawful custody is a violation of fundamental rights.
“They are saying, as a superior officer, they (CCB) can arrest. But even if that power exists, it must be in writing and communicated at the time of arrest,” Chouta citing Section 55 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), as reported by PTI.
“Ultimately, the question is about liberty. Even if the offence is punishable with more than seven years, unless there is credible reason to believe and material on record, you cannot deprive a person of liberty,” he said, referring to a Supreme Court judgment.
Despite the submission, the court declined to offer interim protection at this stage. The matter is now posted for further hearing on Wednesday at 10:30 AM.
Karnataka HC Permits State To Submit Response In Sealed Cover
Meanwhile, in a significant development, the High Court also permitted the Karnataka government to submit its response in a sealed cover in the suo motu case initiated on the stampede incident. Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty requested additional time, stating, “We are not in a position to argue today… I will put it in black and white. Kindly have it at 10.30 AM.” The court accepted the request and adjourned the matter.