Calcutta High Court upholds State's inquiry into alleged mismanagement of high-profile event featuring Lionel Messi.
In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has declined the petitions demanding the transfer of investigation concerning the alleged mismanagement of the "G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025" event, which featured international football sensation Lionel Messi. The event took place on December 13, 2025, at Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), drawing widespread public interest and subsequent discontent.
The Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen heard the petitions filed by Suvendu Adhikari and others against the State of West Bengal and the event organizers. The petitioners alleged gross mismanagement, financial irregularities, and unauthorized use of the State Emblem, leading to public dissatisfaction and destruction of property. They sought a court-monitored investigation by an independent agency, asserting bias and ineffectiveness in the State-appointed inquiry committee and Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The Court, however, found no substantial evidence of bias or procedural irregularities warranting the transfer of investigation to an independent body like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The judgment emphasized the doctrine of necessity, noting that the impartiality of the SIT, comprising junior officers investigating senior officials, cannot be doubted without clear evidence. The Court underscored the preliminary nature of the investigation and the absence of concrete proof of a vitiated process.
Furthermore, the Court validated the State Government's appointment of an inquiry committee under Section 11 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1952. Contrary to the petitioners' claims, the Court confirmed the legality of the committee's establishment, supported by a gazette notification.
The judgment also highlighted the necessity of verified facts in Public Interest Litigations (PILs), cautioning against petitions motivated by publicity or political interests. The allegations of unauthorized appropriation of the State Emblem and financial misconduct lacked verification and specificity, the Court noted.
The State of West Bengal, represented by Senior Advocate Kalyan Bandopadhyay, argued the prompt apology and subsequent actions taken by the Chief Minister, including the establishment of an inquiry committee chaired by a retired High Court judge. The State asserted its non-involvement in ticket sales and financial transactions, which were managed by the event organizers. The Court acknowledged the arguments and found no grounds to interfere with the ongoing investigation.
The judgment brings temporary closure to the high-profile case, emphasizing the need for robust evidence to challenge state-appointed investigations. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in February 2026.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) - Incident involving a high-profile event featuring international football player Lionel Messi leading to alleged mismanagement, financial irregularities, and public dissatisfaction - Court discussed the validity of enquiry committee, the role of the State and organizer, and whether investigation should be transferred to an independent agency.
Statutory provision(s): Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1952, Sections 3, 11; Companies Act, 2013, Section 212(c); Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PML Act), Sections 3/4.
This ruling stands as a reminder of the judiciary's cautious approach in intervening with ongoing investigations unless substantial proof of bias or procedural flaws is presented. The Calcutta High Court's decision underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness in judicial proceedings, especially in cases attracting significant public and media attention.
Suvendu Adhikari v. State of West Bengal, (Calcutta)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2825420
