Delhi High Court Dismisses PIL on IPL Security Payments

The Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL requesting the BCCI and Delhi Capitals pay for security by Delhi Police for IPL matches. The court ruled it as a policy decision and stated no payments are owed but left room for future charges if decided upon by the Delhi Police.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a directive for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Delhi Capitals to compensate the Delhi Police for security services provided during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.

The petitioner, identifying as a social activist, pointed out that high courts in Mumbai and Jaipur had previously considered the payment issue for police deployment during IPL matches. A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan said that the Union of India and Delhi Police elected not to charge security fees, making it a policy decision that doesn't require court interference.

“We do not find any merit in the submission of the petitioner that there is notional amount due and payable by Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 to Union of India and/or Delhi Police for the past matches held until 2022. The present petition is accordingly dismissed,” ruled the bench, also comprising Justice Manmeet PS Arora, on May 28. The court clarified its order does not prevent Delhi Police from charging future fees if it decides to do so.