While closing the PIL, filed by a practising lawyer seeking to make public the inquiry report of the 3 Members Committee. 12 devotees died and several were left injured in the incident. The division bench of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, comprising Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Waim Sadiq Nargal expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to streamline the yatra and ensure the safety of pilgrims, following the deadly stampede in the intervening night of 2021-22.

During the hearing, the petitioner argued that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1988 vests the administration, management, and governance of the Shrine in a board comprising a chairman and not more than 10 members and the board may appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other officers and servants necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions.

The petitioner's counsel submitted that the stampede incident happened due to the unprecedented number of pilgrims allowed to reach the shrine, coupled with mismanagement and lack of supervision.

On the other hand, counsel for Shrine Board contended that sincere efforts were made to provide basic facilities to the pilgrims, resulting in an increase in the number of yatris.

Further, a detailed affidavit was filed indicating the safety measures put in place for effective yatra management from Katra onwards upto the holy cave which included: Yatra registration; reducing the time of 'yatri' to accommodate more pilgrims for darshans; Deployment of beat officers to avoid rush; etc.

After hearing the whole matter, the bench of Justice Nargal held that the Shrine Board has taken all measures including short-term, medium and long term with a view to streamline the yatra, besides taking all safety measures for the safety of the pilgrims. Not only this, even the Board has undertaken various activities through its Administration and Operations Wing, for better management and facilitation of pilgrims, the bench added.