Plea In Madras High Court Seeks Rescheduling Of IPL Matches In Chennai Due To Assembly Polls

In the alternative, the petitioner T Prabhakaran has sought court direction to ensure that the Model Code of Conduct is strictly complied with during the match and no political symbol, logo, etc are publicly displayed during the match.

The petitioner submitted that as per the announcement of the Election Commission of India, the assembly elections are proposed to be held in the State on April 23, 2026, and the counting is to take place on May 4, 2026. The nomination process will begin on March 30 and last date for nomination is on April 6 after which the scrutiny will take place on April 7 and last date for withdrawal is on April 9^th. It has been stated that though the nomination process commences only on March 30, many political parties have already commenced canvassing votes and holding public meetings.

The petitioner stated that during election time, the Police Department, which is tasked with the duty to maintain law and order in the State, would be working round the clock and given election duty in addition to their regular duty.

It has been submitted that in such circumstances, if the IPL matches are held on April 3 and April 11 at the Chepauk stadium as per the schedule, the police will face an additional task of providing security for the match, security for the players and maintaining law and order around the stadium.

The petitioner also points out that since the matches are broadcast worldwide, there is also a possibility of party cadres gather support inside and outside the stadium, which may result in possible clashes, requiring additional police force.

Considering such situations, the petitioner has sought to reschedule the matches to be held in Chennai, or in the alternative, to ensure that the Model Code of Conduct is followed inside the stadium during the match.

Case Title: T Prabhakaran v. The Chief Election Commissioner and Another

Case No: WP 52837 of 2026 (Filing No)