A final-year law student from UILS, Panjab University, named Nikhil Thamman, has taken a bold step by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His petition aims to halt the hosting of IPL matches at the newly constructed Mullanpur stadium in Mohali, the home ground for Punjab Kings, known as the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Environmental Concerns Raised

Nikhil’s PIL highlights significant environmental concerns surrounding the construction of the cricket stadium. He argues that the stadium was built without obtaining the necessary environmental clearances, in direct violation of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification of 2006.

The petitioner emphasizes that the stadium’s location within a 10-kilometer radius of a bird sanctuary in Sector-21, Chandigarh, mandates prior environmental clearance from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), as directed by the Supreme Court. However, this crucial step has allegedly been overlooked, as per Nikhil’s claims.

Furthermore, Nikhil asserts that the stadium’s construction proceeded without securing essential forest and wildlife clearance from the Department of Forest and Wildlife, Chandigarh.

Impact on IPL Matches

The legal battle over the Mullanpur stadium has profound implications for IPL matches scheduled at the venue. Traditionally, Punjab Kings played their home games at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. However, with the inauguration of the Mullanpur stadium, it now serves as the team’s home ground.

Punjab Kings’ maiden match at the Mullanpur stadium against DC witnessed a triumphant return for Rishabh Pant to cricket, with the team emerging victorious. However, tonight’s highly anticipated clash between Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Mullanpur stadium has garnered increased attention due to Nikhil’s PIL.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of IPL matches at the Mullanpur stadium hangs in the balance, awaiting the court’s decision on Nikhil Thamman’s petition.