The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday granted interim protection to former West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas from any coercive action in connection with the chaos that occurred during Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake Stadium in December. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, while granting the relief, strongly criticized the handling of the event and noted that Kolkata's image had suffered after Messi had to leave the stadium earlier than scheduled due to security concerns.
Court's Observations
The court highlighted that similar events featuring the Argentine football star were conducted smoothly in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Justice Bhattacharyya remarked, "Look at the photograph, is this person not your client? Does it not breach the security of the soccer legend? How can he do this? Is he Messi's childhood friend? Spreading his hands around Messi's waist. How did he do this? We are the residents of Kolkata, we felt ashamed because of this Messi incident fiasco."
Investigation and Orders
The court directed the Commissioner of Bidhannagar Police to conduct an independent inquiry into why the event could not be organized properly on December 13 and submit a report within four weeks. The protection granted to Biswas will remain in force until August 17 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The court also ordered Biswas not to leave the country without permission and to submit his passport to the trial court within seven days. Additionally, he must appear before the investigating agency whenever summoned, with at least 48 hours' prior notice.
Background of the Case
The case was filed by complainant Satadru Dutta, who accused Biswas of extortion, criminal intimidation, misuse of official influence, and alleged illegal diversion and sale of complimentary tickets for wrongful gain. Dutta's lawyer informed the court that Biswas had received 22,000 complimentary tickets from the organizers out of the Salt Lake Stadium's total capacity of 70,000. According to the complaint filed at Bidhannagar South police station, Dutta alleged that he had to hand over a large number of complimentary passes, accreditation cards, and close-proximity passes to Biswas, which were allegedly distributed for financial gain.
State's Argument
Representing the state, Advocate General Surojit Nath Mitra said Biswas had ignored two notices issued by police asking him to appear before the investigating officer. The state opposed Biswas's plea, arguing that he was not entitled to protection as he had failed to cooperate with the probe.
Defense's Response
Biswas's lawyer Kishore Dutta claimed that the police had started criminal proceedings without any preliminary investigation. The court observed that although the charges of extortion and cheating against Biswas were cognizable and non-bailable, they carried a maximum punishment of seven years under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. "Hence, the court finds that at the stage of investigation, if the petitioner cooperates with the probe agency, he is entitled to protection," Justice Bhattacharyya said.
