Karnataka High Court issues notice to state govt, cops on arrested RCB official's plea

The petition contended that Nikhil’s arrest was illegal, arbitrary, politically motivated and in violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. The counsel for the petitioner submitted that the hurried arrest of Nikhil in wee hours demonstrated a pre-judged and motivated approach.

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Friday ordered notice to the state government and police in a petition filed by Nikhil Sosale, Marketing Head of Royal Challengers Sports Limited (RCSPL), arrested in connection with the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede.

Justice S R Krishna Kumar posted the matter to June 9 for further hearing.

The petition contended that Nikhil’s arrest was illegal, arbitrary, politically motivated and in violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. The petition claimed that Nikhil’s arrest is an attempt to shift the blame of the tragedy on RCSPL and its officials. “The state government has apparently suspended senior police officials for dereliction of duty. When this is so, without a full enquiry establishing facts, to rush a private citizen, when the roles of the various persons is yet to be established, cannot be countenanced. An enquiry has been ordered and summons have been issued to the company,” the petition said.

The counsel for the petitioner submitted that the hurried arrest of Nikhil in wee hours demonstrated a pre-judged and motivated approach. He said the arrest was based only on the directive of the Chief Minister in a press conference held after the cabinet meeting and not based on the investigation in the case. He said the arrest was carried out without any investigation - including Nikhil’s specific role in the incident and gross disregard to principles of natural justice. Such an arrest is nothing but abuse of process of law, the advocate said.

The advocate submitted that on June 5, 2025, the high court had taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, which was followed by registration of the first FIR and then a decision of transfer of cases to CID after the high court directed registration of suo motu PIL. He further submitted that AK Girisha, the police inspector of Cubbon Park police who registered the first FIR, was suspended for dereliction of duty. “It is for the person executing the arrest to conduct the investigation and satisfy himself of the existence of a prima facie case and necessity of arrest,” the advocate said.

On the other hand, Advocate General K Shashikiran Shetty submitted that the petitioner had to be arrested in the wee hours of Friday while he was planning to move out of the country. The court said that the prayer for interim relief cannot be considered till filing of statement of objections by the state government/ police.