Issuing notices to the state authorities, Justice M N Bhandari asked them to further explain as to why commercial activities like IPL be not banned at SMS stadium which is meant for multi-disciplinary sports as also according to the rules cannot be allotted for any activity other than sports and organizing national functions like Independence Day and Republic Day etc.
Petitioner Rajender Singh said that the IPL is organizing seven cricket matches for its season-four in the state-run SMS stadium and the same is under the supervision of Rajasthan State Sports Council and Rajasthan Cricket Academy.
"SMS stadium is a state-level stadium where other sports activities are also conducted for the common man. But owing to the IPL matches, all sportspersons are prevented from utilizing the stadium for any other activities. IPL is a commercial entrepreneurship and cannot be allowed to earn money at the cost of public at large," said Piyush Nag, counsel for the petitioner.
Singh said there is a fixed rate list prescribed by the Rajasthan State Sports Council, as per which Rs 2 lakh per match were required to be paid as fee for using stadium, Rs 20,000 per day to be paid for preparations as also Rs 4,000 per hour is required to be paid for usage of flood lightings and electricity. However, the IPL organisers have not paid a single penny.
Justice Bhandari observed: "It has been brought to our notice that a commercial activity in the name of cricket is being allowed in the SMS stadium and despite there being prescribed charges/fee for the same, it has not been collected."
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