NEW DELHI: A petition was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking an enquiry as to why the Indian Premier League (IPL) is being prioritized over public health and to direct the Centre, the Delhi government and cricketing bodies BCCI and Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) to stop the matches with immediate effect.
The plea, accessed by ANI, was filed by advocate Karan Singh Thukral and social activist Inder Mohan Singh urging for directions to the respondents to held an inquiry as to why the IPL is being prioritized over public health.
“Issue a Writ of Mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing the Respondent(s) to held an inquiry as to why the IPL is being prioritized over the Public Health,” the plea said.
That the Respondent no.1 is the government of India, which has “failed drastically” to manage the current horrifying situation of COVID-19 in Delhi.
Respondent no. 2 is the BCCI, Respondent no. 3 is the IPL governing council, while Respondent no 4 is the DDCA.
Respondent no.5 is the chief minister of Delhi.
The petitioners said that they strongly object and with folded hands, request the High Court to put a stay over the conduct of upcoming IPL matches in Delhi. “Although, point no 10 of Delhi government notification dated April 19 clearly states that lockdown is exceptional to any Stadium organizing national & international level matches with no in attendance spectators, there is an urgent need to prioritize the Public Health over these matches,” they said.
They added that it is a mockery of the emotions of those common people who are constantly struggling for beds and space for cremating their loved ones.
They said that the government has hurt the sentiments of the citizens by prioritizing entertainment over the lives of innocents showcasing a poor play of authority and responsibility.
The petitioner said that the state through its careless acts has shown itself as an insensitive and capitalist figure losing every inch of public confidence over it. The Government has very conveniently turned a blind eye on the whole situation showcasing a completely reckless and insensitive approach towards dealing with the pandemic, it added.
The matter was listed before a single bench on Monday who has referred now it to another division bench to hear the plea.
The matter is now listed to be heard on May 5 before Delhi High Court Divison Bench.
