Staging Of IPL 2021 In The Midst Of Covid-19 Pandemic Is Questioned As A Petition Is Filed In The Delhi High Court

IPL 2021 staging in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic is questioned as a petition is filed in the Delhi High Court seeking an inquiry as to why the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is being prioritized over the Public Health amidst a surge in Covid-19 cases and to direct the Centre, the Delhi government, and cricketing bodies BCCI and DDCA to stop the ongoing matches with an immediate effect.

The plea was filed by Advocate Karan Singh Thukral and social activist Inder Mohan Singh. Karan Singh Thukral is a practicing Advocate who is presently suffering from Covid-19 and has been distressed to see the state of affairs in the city and the complete failure of the medical system.

IPL 2021 Playing In The Midst Of Covid-19 Pandemic Questioned As A Petition Is Filed In The Delhi High Court

In his plea filed through advocates, the duo of HS Thukral and Kapil Kumar, the petitioners urged to issue direction to the respondents to hold an inquiry as to why the IPL 2021 is being prioritized over Public Health. It also sought to stop the IPL 2021 matches held in Delhi with an immediate effect.

“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 2021 is being prioritized over the Public Health,” the plea said.

” Respondent no.1 is the Government of India who has failed drastically to manage the current horrifying situation of COVID-19 in Delhi. Respondent no. 2 is the Board of Control for Cricket in India (“BCCI”), a society registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975 founded the IPL in the year 2007. IPL is run by a committee constituted by a general body of BCCI and that governing body is called IPL Governing Council i.e. the Respondent no. 3.”

“Respondent no 4 in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) which is a governing body of Cricket activities in the Delhi state of India and the Delhi cricket team. It is affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Respondent no.5 is the Chief Minister of Delhi who is elected as a Chief Minister by the people of Delhi, ” read the petition.

Karan Singh Thukral is a practicing advocate and alongside Kapil Kumar, he filed a petition that sought an inquiry on why IPL is being prioritized over the health concerns in the nation. The petitioners requested the high court to stop the upcoming IPL 2021 matches from being held in Delhi and in a sense, put a hold on the entire tournament until the condition improves.

Petitioners Strongly Object Priritizing IPL Over Public Heath As Covid-19 Cases Surge

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 2021 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 added 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.