The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday described the Lionel Messi event fiasco at the Salt Lake stadium as a 'blot' on the city's image and strongly criticised former state sports minister Aroop Biswas for his 'close proximity' to the football legend. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, while hearing a petition filed by event organiser Satadru Dutta, ordered no coercive action against Biswas until August 17 but flagged the six-month delay in registering the FIR.
Court's Observations on Security Breach
Referring to media photographs showing Biswas holding Messi by the waist, Justice Bhattacharyya asked the former minister's counsel: '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, the residents of Kolkata, felt ashamed because of this Messi incident fiasco.'
The court noted that Messi, a global soccer icon, was scheduled to appear at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on December 13, 2025, before a large audience. However, due to a security breach, Messi had to leave the field much earlier than planned, disappointing thousands of fans who had purchased tickets. 'It was a complete fiasco in organising such an event. However, in three other metro cities—Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi—similar programmes with Messi were organised seamlessly. Failure to organise the programme here left a blot on the image of Kolkata,' the court observed.
Investigation and Interim Protection
Justice Bhattacharyya directed the Bidhannagar commissioner of police to conduct an independent investigation into the incident and submit a report within four weeks. The case is scheduled for next hearing on August 4. While granting interim protection to Biswas, the court imposed several conditions: he must submit his passport to the jurisdictional court within seven days, cannot leave the city without court permission, must appear for summons served at least 48 hours in advance, and cooperate with the investigating agency for a 'meaningful' probe. The director general and inspector general of police of Bengal was also asked to submit details of other criminal proceedings pending against Biswas.
Background of the Case
Biswas had approached the court seeking quashing of the FIR registered against him at Bidhannagar. He failed to appear for summons served twice. On one occasion, he cited severe stomach ailment and dehydration due to heat, but did not provide supporting documents. The state, represented by advocate-general Surojit Nath Mitra, opposed the plea, noting that Biswas missed two summons and his home was found locked during the second attempt.
Complainant Satadru Dutta alleged that Biswas obtained complimentary passes, close proximity tickets, and accreditation cards for the event, and made wrongful monetary gains. The police registered a case under BNS sections that are cognisable and non-bailable, with punishments under seven years if convicted. However, Justice Bhattacharyya held that custodial investigation was not necessary given the nature of allegations. 'What are the reasons that he needs to be arrested for? You have taken point on being influential. Another point troubling the mind of the court is that the incident took place on Dec 13, 2025, when was the complaint lodged? ...and you are afraid that the petitioner will intimidate? A complaint was lodged after six months,' the court observed.
After the order, Dutta said he would move the Supreme Court to challenge it, stating on Facebook: 'Going to the Supreme Court. I have faith in judiciary.'
