The Maharashtra government’s decision to reduce and waive police protection charges for cricket matches aims to increase sporting events in the state and boost the local economy.
In an affidavit submitted to the Bombay High Court on October 11, the government stated that the policy, enacted through a government resolution in June 2023, is “just, proper and reasonable” and serves the broader fiscal interests of the state.
The affidavit explained that this decision to retroactively lower police security fees, effective from 2011, resulted from thorough consideration of various factors benefiting the state.
The High Court had previously instructed the government to justify its decision in response to a public interest litigation filed by RTI activist Anil Galgali, challenging the retrospective reduction of fees for IPL T20 matches.
Anup Kumar Singh, principal secretary of the Home Department, highlighted that the move aims to attract teams and organizers to choose Maharashtra as a venue for cricket matches. Hosting such events not only enhances the state’s financial health but also creates jobs and stimulates revenue, benefiting hospitality, transport, and local businesses.
The affidavit emphasized cricket’s immense popularity in India and its significant impact on the economy.
It stated, “Hosting cricket matches, including international league matches, positively influences various economic activities and generates employment opportunities.”
The policy shift followed a request from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) in 2020, which pointed out that Maharashtra’s police charges were substantially higher than those in other states. A comparative study confirmed this disparity, prompting the Cabinet to revise police protection fees starting from 2011.
Galgal’s petition notes that the police have yet to recover Rs 14.82 crore in arrears from the MCA for IPL matches held between 2013 and 2018 at the Wankhede and Brabourne stadiums. Prior to the new resolution, police fees ranged from Rs 55 lakh for test matches to Rs.66-75 lakh for T20 and one-day matches. The June 2023 government resolution reduced these fees to Rs 25 lakh for T20 and one-day matches.
Galgali contends that this retrospective adjustment effectively waives the outstanding dues owed by the MCA. He also points out that despite repeated demands from the Mumbai police, there has been little effort to recover the owed amount.
The petition seeks to quash the June 2023 circular regarding the retrospective application of the fee reduction and requests that the police department take action to recover the Rs.14.82 crore in dues, along with interest.
This legal challenge underscores the tension between promoting sports and ensuring financial accountability within state governance.
