PIL Challenges Maharashtra's Retrospective Reduction of Police Protection Fees for IPL Matches

A public interest litigation (PIL) by activist Anil Galgali has been filed in Bombay High Court against Maharashtra's decision to reduce the police protection fee for IPL matches retrospectively from 2011. Galgali contends this move disadvantages the public exchequer by reducing Rs 14.82 crore arrears owed by the Mumbai Cricket Association.

A public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the Maharashtra government's decision to retroactively reduce police protection fees for Indian Premier League (IPL) matches has been filed in the Bombay High Court. The PIL, filed by activist Anil Galgali, argues that the reduction from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per match, effective from 2011, is unlawful and financially detrimental to the state exchequer.

According to the plea, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) owes Rs 14.82 crore in arrears for police protection provided during IPL matches between 2013 and 2018. Galgali asserts that the reduced rates would diminish these pending dues, causing financial losses to the government. The petition demands the nullification of the June 2023 circular enforcing the retrospective fee reduction and urges the police to expedite the recovery of the dues along with interest.

At a recent hearing, Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar directed additional government pleader Jyoti Chavan to submit a translated copy of the contentious circular. Galgali condemned the decision as "illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional" and accused the state of setting a bad precedent by not prioritizing the recovery of the substantial dues.

(With inputs from agencies.)