In the world’s largest democracy, the law may exist in black and white, but the behavior of its people often colours the outcome. Recent events across India have once again highlighted how a lack of civic sense can turn moments of unity into scenes of tragedy. It is important not just to discuss statutes and codes, but also the behavior that bridges or breaks their effectiveness.
The Tragedy of Unchecked Crowds
Take the recent incident during RCB’s IPL match celebrations in Bengaluru. What started as joy quickly spiraled into chaos. Crowds surged beyond control, leading to injuries and disruption. The excitement was natural, but what was missing was a collective sense of restraint. No law can fully prevent a stampede unless the public internalizes its responsibility in shared spaces.
Similarly, during Kumbh Mela, a religious event attended by millions, stampedes have become almost routine. The tragedy is still fresh in public memory, yet administrative lessons haven’t always translated into crowd behaviour. Laws about public safety, crowd control, and emergency management do exist. But laws are only as effective as the public’s willingness to adhere to them.
In a deeply unsettling political example, YSRCP leader Jaganmohan Reddy’s rally to meet the family of a suicide attempt victim ended in a fatal accident. A senior party member was reportedly crushed under the wheels of Reddy’s car during the rally. Was it just poor planning? Or was it also the result of treating a public road like a personal show of force? Such rallies, when unregulated or emotionally charged, blur the lines between democratic engagement and mob frenzy.
Crowd Management is not Optional
Indian law does provide frameworks under the Disaster Management Act (negligent and malignant acts likely to spread infection/danger), which can be invoked to control large assemblies. Police manuals and civic body regulations outline crowd-control protocols.
But here’s the legal paradox: regulations only work when there is collective civic compliance. You can barricade roads, assign officers, and draft risk assessments, but if the average person still believes “nothing will happen if one individual does,” then all laws fail.
When Civic Sense Prevails
Not all is bleak. One of the most striking examples of collective discipline was seen in Mumbai after India’s World Cup win in 2024. Lakhs of people gathered at Marine Drive, waving flags, chanting, and celebrating through the night. And yet, no major stampede, no loss of life, no public panic. Why? Because despite the numbers, the crowd largely followed civic norms. Law enforcement didn’t have to resort to force, they only had to guide.
Even large religious events like Ganesh Visarjan or Rath Yatra in Puri have seen safer executions in recent years, thanks to better administration and slowly improving public cooperation.
A Constitutional Responsibility
The Indian Constitution, under Article 51A, lays down the Fundamental Duties of every citizen. Among them is the duty “to safeguard public property and to abjure violence” and “to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.” These aren’t just moral aspirations; they are behavioural expectations woven into the fabric of law.
When we speak of civic sense, we’re not just talking about not littering or obeying traffic lights. We’re talking about a constitutional ethic to exist in a society without endangering others.
The Path Forward: From Compliance to Culture
We cannot police our way out of poor civic behaviour. Real change happens when public consciousness evolves. It starts with schools, where civics should be taught not just as a subject but as a way of living. It extends to social media influencers, celebrities, and politicians who must model responsible public behaviour, not just stage it.
It’s time for civic sense to be more than a buzzword. It must be seen as a pillar of public safety, a precursor to justice, and a prerequisite to democracy. Because without it, even the best laws fall flat in the face of chaos.
Let the law protect us, but let civic sense guide us. Because the crowd is not the problem; our conscience in the crowd is.
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