What safety concerns has the Orissa High Court raised regarding the Bali Yatra ground in Cuttack?

The Orissa High Court has raised safety concerns over private functions at Cuttack's Bali Yatra ground, fearing tragic consequences from large gatherings without proper safeguards.

What steps are being taken to address safety at Cuttack's Bali Yatra ground?

A draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being reviewed by the district administration, police, and Cuttack Municipal Corporation to regulate functions and ensure public safety.

What measures must be taken at Cuttack's Bali Yatra ground until the SOP is finalized?

Until the SOP is finalized, authorities must take necessary measures to ensure people's safety, specifically addressing fire, traffic, crowd management, and sanitation.

Home / Crime and Justice / Cuttack High Court Flags Bali Yatra Ground Safety

Cuttack High Court Flags Bali Yatra Ground Safety

9 Feb

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Summary

Orissa HC raises safety concerns for private events at Cuttack's Bali Yatra ground.
A draft SOP is under review to regulate functions and ensure public safety.
Court mandated interim safety measures until SOP finalization.

Cuttack High Court Flags Bali Yatra Ground Safety

The Orissa High Court has expressed significant concerns about the safety of private functions organized at Cuttack's Bali Yatra ground. Justices K R Mohapatra and V Narasingh emphasized the potential for tragic outcomes if large crowds gather without proper safety protocols. The court is pushing for a regulatory framework to oversee these events.

During a hearing on February 5, 2026, the bench was informed that a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been submitted for approval. This SOP aims to address issues like fire safety, traffic control, crowd management, and sanitation. The authorities assured the court that concerns would be incorporated into the final SOP.

Until the SOP is officially finalized, the court has directed authorities to implement necessary interim measures to ensure public safety at gatherings. The district administration and law enforcement bodies are working in coordination with civic agencies to expedite the approval process. The court has scheduled March 12, 2026, to review the progress on the SOP's approval.