'Enjoy The Match, Approach ECI In Case Of Violation': Madras High Court Refuses To Halt IPL During TN Assembly Polls

The bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan noted that one match had already taken place post the filing of the plea, and there was nothing to show that any violation had taken place during the match.

The court also noted that the Election Commission of India was taking necessary steps, and if there was any violation, it was open for the petitioner to approach the ECI.

“Even after your petition, one match happened. You have not been able to point out any violation. You watched the match right? You enjoyed it. Enjoy the next matches also”, the court orally remarked.

The court also noted that the public interest litigation was filed on the basis of anticipation and apprehension to ensure that no violation takes place at the time of the match. The court remarked that it could not entertain petitions based on such apprehensions and anticipations.

“We can't do anything here. It is for the election commission. They are taking steps. If there is any violation, you can approach the Election Commission. Point out the violation before the ECI. Permission is always there. Who has stopped you from approaching the ECI? Your plea says ensure no violation happens. It is all anticipation and apprehension. You show me one judgment where a PIL can be entertained for anticipation or apprehension. So many judgments we have passed that ECI is already in place and they are taking care of everything”, the court orally remarked.

The petition was filed by T Prabhakaran to reschedule the dates for IPL matches that are proposed to be held in the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. In the alternative, the petitioner had 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 was to take place on May 4, 2026.

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 around the clock and given election duty in addition to their regular duty. 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 pointed out that since the matches are broadcast worldwide, there was also a possibility of party cadres gathering support inside and outside the stadium, which may result in possible clashes, requiring additional police force.

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

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Mad) 149

Case No: WP 13267 of 2026