The Calcutta High Court granted interim protection from coercive action to former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas in the Lionel Messi event probe. The Court directed him not to leave the station without permission and ordered surrender of his passport within seven days.
The Calcutta High Court granted interim protection from coercive action to former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas in connection with an investigation into the alleged mismanagement and chaos that marred an event involving football icon Lionel Messi at Salt Lake Stadium in December last year.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya passed the interim order while hearing Biswas’s petition challenging steps initiated by the Bidhannagar Police in relation to the ongoing probe. The Court, however, imposed certain conditions while extending relief to the former minister.
As part of the interim arrangement, the High Court directed Biswas not to leave the station without obtaining prior permission from the Court. It further ordered him to surrender his passport before the trial court within seven days.
The Court also made it clear that Biswas would be required to cooperate with the investigation. It directed that he must appear before the investigating agency whenever summoned through a notice, provided such notice is served at least 48 hours in advance.
The matter arises from an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the much-publicised event at Salt Lake Stadium, where football legend Lionel Messi was expected to participate. The programme had generated immense public interest, drawing thousands of football enthusiasts and spectators eager to catch a glimpse of the World Cup-winning star.
However, the event reportedly descended into confusion and disorder due to overcrowding, inadequate crowd management, and security concerns. The situation allegedly became so chaotic that Messi was compelled to leave the stadium premises without participating as originally anticipated, leading to widespread disappointment among fans and criticism over the organisation of the event.
The controversy subsequently prompted scrutiny of the arrangements made for the programme, with questions being raised regarding the role of officials and organisers involved in planning and supervising the event.
According to submissions made before the Court, the Bidhannagar Police had issued two notices to Biswas seeking his appearance for questioning in connection with the investigation. The former minister, however, did not comply with those notices, following which legal proceedings were initiated.
During the hearing, Justice Bhattacharyya expressed concern over the manner in which the event unfolded. Referring to the incident, the Court observed that it had brought embarrassment to all concerned, particularly because an international sporting icon such as Messi had to leave the venue amid the disorder.
The Court noted that an unusually large number of people had gained access to the ground on the day of the event and pointed out that Biswas was serving as the State Sports Minister at the relevant time.
While granting interim relief, the Court balanced the need to protect the petitioner from immediate coercive measures with the requirement of ensuring a fair and effective investigation. Accordingly, it directed Biswas to cooperate with the probe and remain available to the investigating authorities whenever required.
The case is scheduled to be taken up again on August 4, when the Court is expected to review the progress of the investigation and consider further submissions from the parties involved.
Background Details:
The controversy stems from a high-profile event organised at Salt Lake Stadium to welcome football superstar Lionel Messi during his visit to Kolkata. The programme attracted an overwhelming number of fans, dignitaries and invitees, turning what was intended to be a celebratory sporting occasion into a subject of public criticism and legal scrutiny.
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According to allegations, crowd management and security arrangements at the stadium were inadequate despite the massive public interest surrounding Messi’s appearance. Reports suggested that an unusually large number of people gained access to restricted areas, leading to congestion on the ground and disruption of the event schedule.
The situation allegedly deteriorated to such an extent that Messi was unable to participate in the programme in the manner originally planned. The chaos reportedly forced changes to the event itinerary, disappointing thousands of fans who had gathered to witness the football icon’s appearance at the stadium.
The incident triggered widespread criticism regarding the planning and execution of the event, particularly because Aroop Biswas was serving as the State Sports Minister at the relevant time. The ongoing investigation seeks to determine whether lapses in organisation, security management and administrative oversight contributed to the disorder witnessed at the venue.
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