Why Did the Calcutta HC Reject the Central Probe Request in Messi Event Chaos?
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Synopsis
In a recent ruling, the Calcutta High Court dismissed a plea for a central agency investigation into the mismanagement at a Messi event in Kolkata, which caused chaos and vandalism. This decision has raised questions about the accountability of local authorities and the implications for future events involving high-profile personalities.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court rejects plea for central agency probe.
- Chaos erupted during Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata.
- Current investigations by local authorities deemed adequate.
- Public interest litigations highlighted financial irregularities.
- Event management and accountability remain critical issues.
Kolkata, Dec 22 (NationPress) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court has dismissed the request for a central agency investigation into the mismanagement that occurred during an event at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata earlier this month, featuring Argentine soccer icon Lionel Messi, which ultimately resulted in chaos and vandalism inside the stadium.
The proceedings regarding the public interest litigations advocating for a central agency inquiry were wrapped up at the division bench presided over by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen on Monday afternoon, with the bench temporarily reserving its order on the matter.
However, late on Monday evening, the division bench announced its decision to reject the plea for a central agency investigation.
The court indicated that at this juncture, there is no basis to suspect that the ongoing investigations being conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the West Bengal Police and the committee appointed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, headed by a retired judge of the Calcutta High Court, were lacking in impartiality.
The public interest litigations called for the central agency to investigate both the chaos at the event and the financial discrepancies linked to ticket sales.
The petitioners' counsels argued that a central agency investigation was essential as the parallel inquiries by the committee appointed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the special investigation team of the state police were deemed unreliable.
They also pointed out that aside from the scheduled event featuring Messi at the Salt Lake Stadium, there were unscheduled programs involving influential figures that delayed the football legend's arrival at the venue.
Consequently, attendees who paid exorbitant prices for tickets were denied adequate visibility of the soccer star, who was surrounded by numerous politically influential individuals and their families, causing frustration among spectators that ultimately led to the disorder and vandalism.
The state government’s representative stated that the security of Messi at the stadium was the duty of the Central Armed Police Forces.
The attorney elaborated on the measures taken by the state government concerning the mismanagement and chaos that unfolded at the stadium.
In conclusion, the division bench rejected the petitioners' arguments and dismissed the plea for a central agency investigation.
Point of View
I believe that the Calcutta High Court's decision to reject the plea for a central agency probe signifies a commitment to local investigative processes. While public interest in accountability is paramount, reliance on existing mechanisms may bolster confidence in the judicial system. However, the chaos and mismanagement during such high-profile events warrant continuous scrutiny to ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future.
NationPress
24/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What event led to the chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium?
The chaos occurred during an event featuring Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, which resulted in mismanagement and vandalism.
Why did the Calcutta High Court reject the plea for a central investigation?
The court found no reason to doubt the impartiality of ongoing investigations by the West Bengal Police's Special Investigation Team and a committee appointed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
What were the concerns raised by the petitioners?
The petitioners expressed concerns about potential financial irregularities in ticket sales and the overall management of the event.
What measures were taken by the state government regarding the incident?
The state government asserted that the security of Messi was the responsibility of the Central Armed Police Forces, and they detailed actions taken in response to the chaos.
How did the crowd react during the event?
Spectators who paid high prices for tickets were frustrated as Messi's visibility was obstructed by politically influential figures, leading to chaos.
