The Allahabad High Court has ruled that claims for ex-gratia compensation related to the Mahakumbh Mela stampede, which occurred on January 29, 2025, must be resolved by the district administration and the Mela Authority within 30 days. This decision came during a hearing of a writ petition filed by Sanjay Kumar Sharma, who sought compensation for a relative's death in the stampede. The court clarified that the state-appointed judicial inquiry commission is not authorized to handle compensation claims, as its primary function is to investigate the causes and circumstances surrounding the incident. The court noted that the state has already compensated some victims' families, indicating an acknowledgment of the loss of life and property. The Meladhikari is tasked with verifying claims based on inquest and post-mortem reports, ensuring that each case is individually assessed. The court has ordered a compliance affidavit to be filed by May 7.