Madras High Court Refuses to Ban IPL Matches During Elections, Calls Plea Speculative

The Madras High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking a ban on IPL matches in Tamil Nadu during the election period.

The petitioner argued that hosting matches could violate the Model Code of Conduct and influence voters. However, the Court found no merit in the plea, observing that cricket matches are a form of entertainment and cannot be stopped on speculative grounds.

It emphasized that any actual violation of the Model Code would fall within the jurisdiction of the Election Commission, which is competent to take necessary action.

The Court ultimately remarked that people should be allowed to “enjoy the match.”

[T. Prabhakaran v. Chief Election Commissioner]