What Did the Calcutta HC Demand from the Bengal Government Regarding the Messi Incident?
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Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has instructed the West Bengal government to investigate the chaos during Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake Stadium. Amidst multiple public interest litigations, concerns about ticket pricing and management have emerged, leading to demands for comprehensive inquiries. Will the state respond appropriately?
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court is demanding accountability from the West Bengal government.
- Multiple public interest litigations have been filed regarding the event.
- Concerns about financial irregularities in ticket sales have emerged.
- The probe committee's credibility is under scrutiny.
- Deadline for report submission is set for December 22.
Kolkata, Dec 18 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has mandated the West Bengal government to provide a report regarding the disorder and destruction that occurred at Salt Lake Stadium during the event featuring Argentine football icon Lionel Messi.
The division bench instructed the state to submit the report by December 22.
Three separate public interest litigations (PILs) were registered concerning this issue, which were heard on Thursday by the division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen.
During the proceedings, the state government’s attorney sought a delay, which the division bench permitted, while simultaneously ordering the submission of a thorough report to the court by December 22.
The division bench will reconvene to review the matters on the same date.
One of the filed PILs, presented by petitioner and senior advocate Billwadal Bhattacharya, demands an extensive investigation into alleged financial discrepancies related to ticket sales for the event, where ticket prices varied significantly, ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 12,000.
Another PIL, submitted by senior counsel Sabyasachi Chattopadhyay, calls for an inquiry by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) into the concerns raised.
Chattopadhyay's petition also contests the establishment of a committee led by a retired justice of the Calcutta High Court to investigate the mismanagement during the Messi event, asserting that the probe committee, announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is merely a façade intended to shield the main culprits.
The probe committee, set up by the Chief Minister following the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium, is headed by Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray of the Calcutta High Court, with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Additional Secretary for Home & Hill Affairs, Nandini Chakraborty as additional members.
The Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has reached out to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose advocating for an independent judicial investigation into the matter, dismissing the committee proposed by the Chief Minister.
Point of View
It is crucial to uphold accountability and transparency in events involving high-profile figures. The Calcutta High Court's actions reflect a proactive approach towards addressing public concerns and ensuring that those responsible for any mismanagement are held accountable. It is essential for the government to act swiftly in providing the required reports and addressing public inquiries.
NationPress
18/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue being addressed by the Calcutta High Court?
The Calcutta High Court is addressing the chaos and vandalism that occurred during Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake Stadium and has demanded a report from the West Bengal government.
What are the concerns raised in the public interest litigations?
The litigations raise concerns about financial irregularities in ticket sales and the efficacy of the probe committee established by the government.
Who is leading the probe committee set up by the Chief Minister?
The probe committee is headed by Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray of the Calcutta High Court.
What did the Leader of Opposition request from the Governor?
The Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, requested the Governor to initiate an independent judicial probe into the incident.
When is the deadline for the West Bengal government to submit the report?
The West Bengal government has been instructed to submit the report by December 22.
