RTI activist against holding of IPL in K'taka, questions PM's silence

Social worker and RTI activist Narsimha Murthy on Friday supported the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking shifting of IPL matches out of Karnataka, saying it is not right to play with the lives of the people for filling the pockets of a bunch of people.

"The IPL matches are taking place not only in Maharashtra, but in Karnataka. At least at this juncture our beloved Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji should open his mouth. For few people to fill their pockets they are playing with the lives of the people. It is not right," Murthy told ANI.

"Everybody knows about the shortage of water. It is not only through the news, but we are practically experiencing the shortage of water. They should come forward and stop the match.I am not against cricket. But one should think about the scarcity of water. If the court allows then it is ok or otherwise we will protest on the day of the match," he added.

The Karnataka High Court had yesterday asked a petitioner to file a fresh plea on his seeking shifting of IPL matches out of the state due to 'severe drought'.

The court had rejected the petition filed by a lawyer named Diwakar, saying there are some technical faults in his plea.

The court, however, asked him to file the petition afresh as he did not make IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla a party before the petition could be taken up for hearing.

The move comes in the wake of the Bombay High Court pulling up the BCCI and the Mumbai Cricket Association over 'wastage' of water when the state is reeling under a severe drought on a plea against holding the IPL.

The Bombay High Court had, however, allowed the hosting of first IPL match to be held on April 9 in Mumbai.