The IPL arrests are unlawful

I am a very keen Cricket enthusiast, and watch matches played at all levels, across the globe. I have also watched enthuastically, some of the recent IPL fixtures. I found nothing out of the way in these matches, either bowling or fielding. Sure, some balls bowled were unbecoming of the players, some fielding lapses were blame-worthy, but then it should be realised that these matches are played in artificial lights and, uncontrollable excitement , especially of the spectators. In the circumstances, other than poor and less than expected contribution from some of the players, there was nothing special or unusual about the matches.

Also, in the past , Azharuddin and Jadeja in India and a few players in other Criketing countries, when found guilty of deliberate malpractices,were not treated with the kind of seriousness that we seem to be doing in the case of Sreesanth and company. Surely, they are guilty of not performing at levels expected of them, in which case it is for their employers - the team owners - to be concerned and deal with them. How does the State or the Police come in?

Under which laws of India can these players be charged in a Court? What is their offence? Whom, specifically, did they cheat? What is the public purpose involved, warranting their arrest and confinement? If they received gratification to perform below their normal standards, how can the state be aggrieved?

To my mind, as a lawyer, no convincing case can be made out against these players. Sure, they have disappointed the patrons of the game. The answer is to show them the door, and forget them as unfaithful persons. They should not be selected any more to play for the country or to be associated with the game, formally.

What has happened is entirely in the private domain, and the State has no business to stick its neck into this. As for the allegations of betting etc. there are as yet no allegations of involvement of the three players, nor can they be called abettors, in the absence of specific proof.

K.V.Narayanmurti

Senior Advocate