Panel to run racing activities?

HC asks Govt to explore the option

After racing activities at the Bangalore Turf Club came to a standstill two months ago thanks  to the deadlock between the club and the State government, the High Court on Monday raised hopes of finding a possible solution to the issue.  

Ten aggrieved horse owners, trainers and Bangalore Stable Employees of the club had filed writ petitions last month stating that the failure of the state government to grant licence to the club had severely affected the livelihood of many. In its first hearing on Monday, the High Court Justice A S Bopanna asked the State government if there  is a possibility to conduct  racing activities under the supervision of a specially appointed committee.

The bench directed the advocate general to communicate with the  government in this regard so that an interim arrangement could be worked out in the interest of all the groups associated with racing.

The High Court said that the committee can oversee one season  and  the findings of the committee  can be treated as a material for any untoward activity during the season. The bench suggested that the committee could function in the leadership of a retired judge. The matter was adjourned to December 12.  

Racing and betting have been hit at the club since August 31 when the state government refused to renew the license. The winter season was scheduled to begin from November 3. The move from the horse owners was triggered by BTC's refusal to adhere to the state government's demand to increase the club's membership quota at an Extraordinary General Body meeting last month.    

K M Srinivas Gowda, a former chairman of the club, called the High Court's response as an encouraging development. "For the race owners, daily wage workers at the club and the trainers, resumption of racing at the earliest is very important. On that front, the HC's suggestion comes as a light at the end of the tunnel," he said.