**BCCI Assures Bombay High Court to Pay All Due Fees of Police in Two Weeks**
In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has assured the Bombay High Court that it will settle all outstanding dues owed to the police for security during cricket matches within two weeks. This commitment comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by RTI activist Anil Galgali, challenging the Maharashtra government’s decision to lower the police protection rates for IPL and other matches since 2011.
The BCCI, in its affidavit, acknowledged the outstanding amount of approximately Rs 6 crore owed to the police in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pimpri Chinchwad. The board emphasized that it has no intention of shortchanging the police and will settle any disputed amounts within 90 days after reconciling accounts. This assurance was made in light of the PIL, which highlighted the pending payments and the impact of the reduced police protection rates on the financial obligations of the BCCI.
The BCCI clarified that it is only responsible for payments related to key matches like qualifiers and finals. They also noted that the decision on police charges is a policy matter, and the adequacy of police presence is up to the police themselves. Interestingly, the BCCI pointed out that the charges in Maharashtra are higher compared to other states, which led to a recent circular aimed at rationalizing these costs.
The case is set for a hearing on February 11, with the Chief Justice and another judge overseeing the matter. The Bombay High Court had previously questioned the Maharashtra government’s decision to reduce and waive fees for police deployment at IPL matches, terming it as a fee rather than a tax. The court expressed concern over the state’s decision to waive off the arrears of Rs 14.82 crore owed by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for IPL matches held between 2013 and 2018 at Wankhede and Brabourne stadiums.
The PIL also highlighted that despite sending 35 letters to the MCA seeking payment of dues, no serious effort has been taken by the police to recover the arrears. The plea sought the High Court to quash the June 2023 circular issued by the government, which reduced the rate for police protection provided to IPL T20 matches with a retrospective effect from 2011. The petition also sought a direction for the police department to take steps to recover the arrears along with appropriate interest.
The BCCI’s commitment to pay the outstanding dues within two weeks is a significant step towards resolving the long-standing issue. This move not only addresses the financial obligations but also underscores the BCCI’s willingness to engage constructively with the legal framework and ensure that all stakeholders, including the police, are fairly compensated for their services.
In conclusion, the BCCI’s assurance to pay all due fees of police in two weeks marks a positive development in the ongoing legal battle. As the case proceeds to its next hearing on February 11, it remains to be seen whether this commitment will be upheld and whether the Bombay High Court will accept the BCCI’s plan to settle the outstanding dues. The resolution of this issue is crucial not only for the cricket fraternity but also for maintaining the integrity and fairness in the payment of services rendered by law enforcement agencies during high-profile sporting events.
