BCCI promises to pay police dues fees, gives assurance to Bombay High Court

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday, January 10, 2025, informed the Bombay High Court that it will pay the outstanding fees to Mumbai, Pimpri Chinchwad and Navi Mumbai Police for providing police security during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Will do it within two weeks.

Reference to the petition

BCCI’s response came under a public interest litigation (PIL), which was filed by RTI activist Anil Vedvyas Galgali in August 2024.

• The petition challenged the Maharashtra government’s decision to reduce police security charges and waive dues for IPL T20 cricket matches since 2011.
• The High Court had criticized this move of the Maharashtra government in August 2024.

Dues and promise of payment

BCCI gave details of the dues in an affidavit and assured payment:

• Pimpri Chinchwad Police: ₹1.7 crore
• Navi Mumbai Police: ₹3.3 crore
• Mumbai Police: ₹1.03 crore

BCCI said:

“We do not intend to non-pay the dues. “All disputed amounts will be paid within 90 days once the accounts are resolved.”

Allegations in the petition and government decisions

The petition states:

1. Dues of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA):
   • Dues of ₹14.82 crore on police security for IPL matches at Wankhede and Brabourne stadiums between 2013 and 2018.
   • Mumbai Police sent reminder letters to MCA 35 times to recover this amount.
   • In the last 8 years MCA has paid only ₹1.40 crore.
2. Reduction in Government Security Fee:
   • Under government resolutions (GRs) issued in 2017 and 2018, organizers were to pay ₹66 lakh to ₹75 lakh for each T20 match and ₹55 lakh for a Test match.
   • On 26 June 2023, the Maharashtra government reduced the security fee from ₹25 lakh to ₹10 lakh and waived off the dues.

The petitioner alleged that this decision caused huge loss to the government exchequer.

BCCI’s side

BCCI told the court that:

• The determination of police protection charges is the decision of the government.
• The petition should be dismissed.
• BCCI bears liability only for IPL qualifiers, eliminators, finals, Women’s Premier League matches and matches held under special circumstances.

Government statement

In November 2024, the Maharashtra government filed an affidavit saying:

• The decision to organize cricket matches was taken keeping in mind the financial benefits of the state.
• The purpose of reduction in security fees was to provide convenience to the organisers.

further hearing

The next hearing of this case will be on 11 February 2025.