HC allows EWS kids to attend India vs South Africa test match for free

NEW DELHI: Delhi High Court today allowed children from economically weaker sections and those studying in government schools to attend the upcoming cricket test between India and South Africa for free.

A bench, comprising Justices B D Ahmed and V K Rao, allowed the plea of Justice Mukul Mudgal, appointed observer for the fourth test match, noting that there was no objection by any party.

Meanwhile, the DDCA has agreed to bear the cost of the season tickets fixed at Rs 50 per child.

"It has been prayed that the court permit DDCA to provide Rs 50 denomination season tickets to school children alongwith accompanying teachers for East Stand lower level (having capacity of about 8225 seats) for the said match.

"No objection by any party. School children permitted to witness the cricket match. We request Justice Mudgal to assure children from economically weaker sections and those studying in government schools in Delhi should be provided with this facility. We leave it to his discretion," the bench said.

In his plea, filed through advocate Nitin Mishra, Justice Mudgal had said that since most of the pavilion stands remained vacant during test matches, the tickets could be given to school children.

Advocate Sunil Mittal, appearing for Delhi and District Cricket Administration (DDCA), said there was no objection as such from the cricket body.

Justice Mudgal, in his application, had said that during the course of discussions with the President, Treasurer and other office-bearers of DDCA, it was noticed that many stands remained vacant during the test matches.

On November 18, the court had paved the way for DDCA to hold the upcoming India-South Africa test match at Ferozeshah Kotla stadium and directed the South Delhi Municipal Corporation to issue the provisional occupancy certificate.

It had appointed Justice Mudgal, a former Delhi High Court judge, to oversee the affairs of upcoming test match to be held from December 3 to 7.

Justice Mudgal had also headed the Supreme Court- appointed committee to probe corruption charges against former BCCI chief N Srinivasan's son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan, India Cements and others and charges of betting and spot-fixing in 2013 IPL matches.