'Do Some Constructive Work': Delhi High Court Raps Law Student Seeking To Ban Bangladesh From Cricket Citing Violence Against Hindus

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday rejected a public interest litigation seeking to ban Bangladesh from participating in all cricket tournaments and competitions, citing violence against Hindus there.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia rapped the petitioner, a law student, for filing such a PIL while also repeatedly cautioning pursuing the matter may invite heavy costs.

“What kind of petition is this? You are asking us to make a kind of policy decision in respect of foreign affairs. Let it be left to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sorry. We are very sorry. You are asking us to conduct an enquiry in Bangladesh… our writ jurisdiction will go there? See your prayers. Please bring some good cause. Can any such writ be issued by us? Who is organizing the event? ICC. Is ICC amenable to writ jurisdiction?,” Chief Justice told the petitioner's counsel.

“Since you are a student we are only cautioning you. We will hear you but only with a caution. We don't know from where you will bear the costs,” he added.

SGI Tushar Mehta appeared for BCCI and referred to the respondents named in the PIL. Hearing it, the CJ further told the petitioner's counsel,

“Think over it. By filing such petition, you are wasting unnecessary judicial time. No writ can go to Bangladesh high commission, Srilankan cricket board, ICC or even to government of India to act in a particular manner in respect of dealing with a situation which had arisen in Bangladesh because of a certain event. These are prerogative of the executives.”

At this juncture, the counsel appearing for the law student said he will personally bear the costs.

On this, the CJ remarked: “Now how to respond to this?….Do some more constructive work. These petitions can't be maintained.”

The petitioner counsel then said that he will withdraw the petition.

“The petition is dismissed as withdrawn,” the Court said.

“Do some constructive work. There is much to do in society, if you want to,” CJ told the counsel.

The plea sought to ban Bangladesh Cricket Board Association and its International Cricket Team from participating in all International cricket events.

It further sought to restrain the Bangladesh National Cricket Team from participating in any matches scheduled during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, commencing from February 07, and in all future international cricket events.

A direction was also sought for constitution of an independent commission or inquiry body to investigate and document the alleged “systemic persecution, targeted violence, mob lynchings, temple desecration, and other human rights violations” against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

Title: DEVYANI SINGH v. BOARD OF CONTROL FOR CRICKET IN INDIA & Ors.