Bombay high court raps BCCI for failing to pay police dues

The Bombay high court on Friday came down heavily on the state government for not recovering dues to the tune of Rs7.79 crore from the Board for Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) towards charges for providing police security for Indian Premier League (IPL) matches during 2010 and 2011 seasons.

The Bombay high court on Friday came down heavily on the state government for not recovering dues to the tune of Rs7.79 crore from the Board for Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) towards charges for providing police security for Indian Premier League (IPL) matches during 2010 and 2011 seasons.

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“Why are you so generous to the board [BCCI], why are you not recovering the dues which became payable from 2010-11?” the division bench of justice Ajay Khanwilkar and justice Ashok Bhangale sought to know from assistant government pleader VS Gokhale.

Gokhale stated that demand notices have been issued to BCCI from time to time, but the payment is not forthcoming. Birendra Saraf, who represented the board, intervened saying the BCCI had disputed its liability to pay the charges, as the stadium owner and the IPL franchise is supposed to pay the charges, not the board.

Refusing to enter the internal dispute, the bench said if the board had sent requisition to provide adequate security, it would be primarily responsible to pay the amount as demanded. Whether others like the stadium owner or the franchises are also liable to share the said liability is a matter between them.

The court, however, showed indulgence and allowed BCCI to make a representation to secretary of home department by March 4, and directed the department to decide by March 11. The court, however, said that BCCI will be liable to pay interest on the outstanding amount.