IPL 2018: IPS Officer moves Madras HC to take measures against match fixing

IPS officer G Sampath Kumar has moved the Madras High Court seeking implementation of precautionary measures against match fixing in the Indian Premier League (IPL)..The First Bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice A Selvam today issued notice to the Central government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in a PIL filed by Kumar, who credits himself as an investigating officer who “exposed IPL betting and spot-fixing”..Kumar sought the intervention of the Court on the primary ground that the authorities have failed to put in place the Rules and measures to prevent the offence of sporting fraud, betting and/or gambling including incidental events in respect of the IPL..In the absence of such mechanisms, it was argued that there was rampant spot fixing and gambling taking place across the country’s borders as well..“They’re making fools of everyone”, Kumar’s counsel argued in court today..In his petition, Kumar emphasises that even the cases that were criminally prosecuted were not detected by the BCCI or the ICC. Rather, the aberrations came to light only due to information received by accident in the course of surveillance of telephonic conversations in entirely different circumstances. The petition goes on to point out,.“Apparently, the Respondents are oblivious about the link with underworld criminals that can potentially cause a threat to our Nation in unfathomable means and also pave way for money laundering and illegal funding.“.It is further contended that investigations and prosecution into cases of match fixing have been abandoned despite the recommendations of the Justice Lodha Committee and the Justice Mudgal Committee..Thus, it has been prayed that the Court grant an interim stay on the conduct of the IPL, which is scheduled to begin on April 7..The Bench, however, raised concerns as to how such possible illegalities can be practically encountered..“How to deter these kinds of activities? Can you say [unclear] any particular place is free from corruption? [The] Laws are numerous.”, Justice Selvam observed..Referring to the possibility that illegal activities may be conducted over cell-phones and apps like WhatsApp, Chief Justice Banerjee also observed that there may be privacy concerns to be taken into account..“…Can you stop a person from using a cell-phone?…Can you stop them from using it in their bedroom? Are they going to do match-fixing in public view?”.The Court also wondered whether they could issue a writ of mandamus directing the BCCI to frame guidelines to prevent match-fixing..In response, it was contended by the petitioner’s counsel that until such time a law is enacted on the matter, he can only invoke the jurisdiction of the Court under Article 226..The Bench issued notice after observing that it will not go into technicalities, considering the case is a PIL.