Calcutta HC says commission of inquiry headed by ex-judge to be appointed into Chorbagan raid

A Division Bench presided over by Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge said that a Supreme Court judge cannot be appointed to head the inquiry in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive as sought by the state government. File | Photo credit: GettyImages/iStockphoto

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) ordered the West Bengal government to set up a commission of inquiry headed by a former judge of the court to probe the stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal on October 17, 2026 that claimed 19 lives.

A Division Bench presided over by Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge said that a Supreme Court judge cannot be appointed to head the inquiry in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive as sought by the state government.

The bench said a former Supreme Court judge could be selected by the West Bengal government to head a commission of inquiry into the cause of the stampede and those responsible for the incident.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said a sitting Supreme Court judge will head a special investigation team (SIT) to be formed to probe the incident.

A vacation bench of the court in a special session on the Navami festival of Durga Puja was hearing a PIL by a lawyer seeking an independent and speedy inquiry into the stampede on Saptami, the first day of the Durga Puja festival.

Published – 20 Oct 2026 16:22 IST