SC rejects plea against shifting of IPL ties

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea by the Maharashtra and Mumbai Cricket Associations against the Bombay High Court order directing shifting of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches scheduled after April 30.

The court had ordered shifting of matches in view of the prevailing drought situation in Maharashtra.

A three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice T S Thakur rejected the arguments by senior advocates P Chidambaram and Abhishek M Singhvi, representing the two organisations, that they would use only non-potable and treated sewage water in the stadium.

Water crisis

Appearing for NGO Loksatta Movement, which had filed the public interest litigation in the high court, a counsel contended that the associations had so far failed to deny the assertion that they would use 60 lakh litre of water for the pitch and field.

Concurring with the view, the bench, also comprising Justices R Banumathi and U U Lalit, said: “The issue is why should we waste water...when all the resources are getting fast depleted.”

At one point, the bench told the counsel: “If you are ready, we can direct municipal corporation to disconnect all water connections and appoint a local commissioner, who, with the help of the police, will ensure that not a single drop of potable water is wasted.”

“What about lakhs of people who would come to watch matches, the toilets would also require water. Instead of undertaking all such exercise, why don't you shift,” the bench asked the counsel, while dismissing the petition challenging the high court order.