The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear the petition requested to cancel the cricket match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup. The match is to be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 14 September.
A lawyer presented the case before the bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi for immediate hearing.
When the lawyer sought to list the petition in the court essentially, the Supreme Court bench, which included Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi, commented on this, saying, ‘What is so soon? This is just a match, let it happen. The match is on Sunday, what can be done now? ‘
The lawyer urged that if the petition is not heard by Friday, it would become fruitless, as the match is to be held on Sunday. The court again said, ‘What can we do? Let the match be.
What were the arguments in the petition?
The petitioners said in their application that ‘the cricket match between India and Pakistan is a symbol of friendship and harmony, but when the soldiers of the country are sacrificing their lives and Indian citizens are being killed in terrorist attacks related to Pakistan, then playing with Pakistan gives wrong messages.’
The petition said that ‘at a time when our soldiers are being martyred, we are joining the game with the same country that gives shelter to terrorists. This can hurt the dignity of the nation and the sentiments of the families of the martyrs.
Demand for petitioners
The petitioners demanded that the cricket match between India and Pakistan be canceled. Until Pakistan stops supporting terrorism, India should not perform any sports or cultural programs with it. Also, priority should be given to the national security, public spirit and morale of soldiers, not entertainment.
India-Pakistan match on 14 September
Although the issues raised in the petition were based on serious concerns related to patriotism and security, the Supreme Court made it clear that immediate intervention in the case is not possible. The court also said that stopping the event like a match does not come under the jurisdiction of the court, especially when the time is limited.
