What kind of petition is this? Delhi High Court rejects PIL to ban Bangladesh from international cricket

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking directions to ban Bangladesh from all cricketing competitions over violence against the Hindu community in the country.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia pulled up the petitioner, a law student, for filing the frivolous writ petition and said no writ can be issued to Bangladesh, International Cricket Council (ICC) or the Sri Lankan Cricket Board to stop a country's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The Court added that it cannot issue any directions to the Central government either over how India is to handle its relations with another country.

"What kind of petition is this? You are asking the court to take a policy decision in respect of foreign affairs. Let it be left to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You are asking us to conduct some inquiry in Bangladesh? Our writ will go there? Please bring some good causes. Can any writ be issued by us," the Bench remarked.

Chief Justice Upadhyay warned the petitioner Devyani Singh, that the Court will impose exemplary costs on her for filing the plea.

The Bench also took exception to the petitioner's lawyer for citing an unrelated Delhi High Court judgement and an order of a Pakistan court to buttress his arguments.

"Do we follow the same jurisprudence as Pakistan? You are citing Pakistan judgement," the Bench remarked.

Devyani Singh filed the PIL through advocate Pulkit Prakash. 

As per the plea, Bangladesh should not be allowed to participate in any cricketing till the violence against the Hindu community stops.

It also sought directions to bar the Bangladesh cricket team from participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starting next month. The World Cup is being hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. 

The petitioner had made the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), International Cricket Council (ICC), Sri Lanka Cricket Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board as respondents to the PIL. 

After hearing the case for some time, the Bench reiterated that it will impose costs on the petitioner.

After this, the petitioners' lawyer said that he would withdraw the plea.

"On being pointed out that the instant writ petition is not maintainable, the petitioner prays for withdrawal. The petition is dismissed as withdrawn," the Court ordered.

"Thoda constructive kaam Kariye. Bohot kuchh constructive kaam hai karne ko (Please do some constructive work. There is a lot of constructive work to be done)," the Court said in the end.