SC Declines Urgent Hearing for PIL Seeking Postponement of IPL Matches Due To Corona scares

Supreme Court: Suspicion, However Strong, cannot take the place of Proof

The vacation bench of the Supreme Court decided not to hear the urgent hearing of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which sought the postponement of Cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) concerning the spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19).  The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench which consisted of Justices U.U Lalit and Aniruddha Bose. It was mentioned by the petitioner that there will be more than 30,000 viewers to watch the matches in each stadium during IPL. This may lead to the spread of the disease due to lack of precautionary measures. The bench decided that the matter will not be taken up today but it will be considered with the regular matter after the re-opening of Court on 16th March after Holi vacations. Moreover, the schedule for the league has been decided and it was set to start from 29th March 2020, which will be for two-months. Whereas the BCCI has decided that the last two One Day International matches between India and South Africa will be played with empty spectators but LA LIGA has decided to suspend the league for two weeks. The Government of Delhi has decided to shut the Cinema Halls and Schools till 31st March 2020 to restrict the spread of the virus in the larger public.

Key-Features:

  • Delhi High Court issued notice to the Central Government and Delhi Government for gaining information of all medical facilities and infrastructure to deal with the outbreak of Corona Virus.
  • The petitioner has sought the judicial review of the preparation and steps taken by the Central and State Government based on scientific and not on an ad-hoc basis.
  • The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench which consisted of Justices U.U Lalit and Aniruddha Bose.
  • It was mentioned by the petitioner that there will be more than 30,000 viewers to watch the matches in each stadium during IPL.
  • Hollywood Actor Tom Hanks confirmed that he is infected with COVID-19.

Edited by Pragash Boopal

Approved & Published – Sakshi Raje