Stadium is only for sports, says Karnataka high court

The Karnataka high court on Wednesday directed that no non-sporting activities should be held at Kanteerava Stadium Sports Complex and other stadiums while hearing a petition questioning the legality of these venues being used for events other than sports.

A public interest litigation filed by K Patel Mune Gowda had contended that the petitioner and other sportspersons were finding it difficult to pursue training and participation in their respective disciplines as stadiums were being used to hold commercial events, political rallies, fashion shows, birthday functions of politicians and commercial exhibitions.

Munegowda contended that Kanteerava Stadium was being leased throughout the year to commercial operators, making it difficult to organise sporting events at various levels.

A division bench comprising chief justice JS Khehar and justice AS Bopanna directed all the sports associations to convene a general body meeting to finalise parameters  depicting the terms and conditions for which stadiums can be used.

The parameters should then be forwarded for approval by the sports associations within six months to the secretary, department of youth services and sports. The stadium could not be used for non-sporting activities till then, ordered the court.