NEw Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) to stay the IPL playoff matches until the completion of investigations of the alleged spot-fixing in the tournament. It has, however, given the BCCI a 15-day deadline to conclude its investigation, which is being carried out by the board's anti-corruption unit chief Ravi Sawani.
The PIL, filed on Monday by a resident of Lucknow, sought a stay on the playoffs and the setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe spot-fixing. The petitioner had asked that the matches be put off until the SIT completed its inquiry.
In its ruling, the court observed that cricket was a gentleman's game "and it should remain as gentleman's, not tainted." At the same time, it said was not a case for the court to "interfere and ban matches."
It was critical of the BCCI's attitude. "Definitely, there is some kind of irregularity. But the biggest problem is the lackadaisical attitude of BCCI. It should stop. There has to be some scientific, dispassionate and impartial approach to solve these problems."
It warned that the viewers "may not be able to retain their quietus" if the BCCI didn't act.
The Delhi High Court, meanwhile, agreed to hear on Wednesday another PIL seeking a ban on the IPL till foolproof measures are taken to stop alleged corrupt practices in it.
A bench headed by Chief Justice D Murugesan said it would schedule the matter for hearing on Wednesday, after Additional Solicitor General Rajeeve Mehra, appearing for the Sports Ministry, told the court that a similar petition was listed for hearing before the apex court on Tuesday.
The three arrested IPL players are due to be produced in court on Tuesday afternoon. |
