Kolkata, 08 June (H.S.) :

The Calcutta High Court has declined to grant an urgent hearing in a petition related to the controversy surrounding the Lionel Messi event held at Yuva Bharati Stadium, intensifying legal uncertainty for former West Bengal sports minister Arup Biswas.

A division bench led by Justice Saugata Bhattacharya observed that due to the heavy pendency of cases, immediate hearing of the petition was not possible. The court stated that the matter would be listed and heard in the normal course through regular judicial procedure.

Arup Biswas had approached the court seeking protection in connection with alleged irregularities in the organisation of the “GOAT” event featuring Argentine football star Lionel Messi, as well as apprehension of possible arrest linked to the ongoing investigation.

With the court refusing urgent relief, speculation has grown in political and legal circles regarding possible investigative action against him, although no official confirmation has been made by authorities.

According to police sources, the former sports minister had earlier been summoned for questioning but has not yet appeared before investigators.

The controversy dates back to December last year, when the high-profile Messi event at Yuva Bharati Stadium drew widespread criticism over alleged mismanagement. Despite holding expensive tickets, several spectators reportedly failed to get a proper view of the football star, while questions were also raised about restricted access inside the stadium.

The event also faced allegations of poor crowd control and administrative lapses, leading to the arrest of organiser Shatadru Dutta. Subsequently, multiple complaints were filed in connection with the incident, naming Arup Biswas and others in the allegations.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing, with legal proceedings expected to continue in the coming weeks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh