Indore : Much to the relief of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and cricket fans looking forward to watch One-day international cricket match between India and South Africa on October 14, the Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court, on Monday refused to grant a stay on the match sought by the Indore High Court Bar Association.
The bar association had filed a PIL objecting to the State Government’s move of giving tax rebate to the MPCA for the match and seeking stay on the match till a decision comes on the PIL. The PIL had also objected to the ticket distribution process undertaken by the MPCA.
Rejecting the plea, Division Bench of Justices PK Jaiswal and DK Paliwal observed that the preparations for the match had been made and it would be inappropriate to stay the match at this point of time.
An intervention application was also moved in the court by former cricketer and coach Ajay Jain, who opposed to the bar association’s plea for stay on the match.
“Cricket match is going to be conducted in Indore after a long time. The match will give international recognition to the city and if it was stopped, image of the City will be tarnished,” said Vikram Bhatnagar, counsel of Jain, adding that considering all these facts, the court refused to grant stay on the match.
Association secretary Anil Ojha said the court had directed to make the Commercial Tax Department a party on the tax rebate issue.
He blasted the State Government over giving tax rebate to the MPCA for the match stating that the MPCA is not a public welfare organisation.
Ojha also alleged irregularities in the sale of tickets and sought a judicial inquiry into the matter.
“Tickets of the match were sold even before the website for the same was opened. Plus, tickets were made available at only five bank branches. Transparency in sale of tickets was not maintained,” Ojha said adding that they would move an application in the court seeking judicial inquiry into sale of tickets.
