SC allows HPCA to use facilities

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, July 27

The Supreme Court today allowed the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) to continue to use the facilities at the Dharamsala cricket stadium till the outcome of arbitration proceedings over the abrupt cancellation of a contract awarded to a company for maintenance.

The HP High Court had sealed the facilities on October 30, 2014, in view of the dispute, but the SC passed an interim order on March 16, 2015, staying the HC order. Today, a Bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and PC Pant converted this interim order into an absolute order, clarifying the HPCA could continue to use the facilities.

Appearing for the HPCA, senior advocate PS Patwalia pleaded for the order which was supported by the company, VCI Management Services. The SC had passed the interim order as the HPCA pleaded that it was unable to host any cricket match, including the Ranji Trophy tie. The HC had ordered locking of 17 rooms, a restaurant, lobby, club, bar, gym, banquet and kitchen. The HPCA had come to the SC, challenging the HC ruling. The SC, however, restrained the body from giving these facilities on contract again.