New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- The tragic stampede on Saturday in Kolkata that took 19 lives was not just an outcome of crowding amid a downpour. As West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said, a preliminary probe revealed the role of an announcement by organizers of the event where it happened.

According to the police, "The condition of the pandal is very bad. It will collapse. Please leave," was heard. As reported, seven persons have been arrested in the tragedy's wake.

Regardless of the announcer's intent, it seems those words turned out to be the equivalent of shouting "fire" in a hall, which is commonly cited as a red line for free speech even by those who would have space for this fundamental right maximized.

While this case could be...