Knight Riders approach court for using loudspeakers

Days before cricket carnival Indian Premier League (IPL) is to start, city franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Friday moved the Calcutta High Court pleading for the use of loudspeakers during matchdays.

The petition moved before a bench of Justices P.K. Ray and Dipankar Gupta seeks an order from the court directing the government to allow the franchise to use loudspeakers during its matches at the Eden Gardens.

The petition comes in the wake of an order by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) banning the use of loudspeakers in residential and educational areas which was subsequently extended to open areas including stadia.

The matter will come up for hearing Monday while Knight Riders are scheduled to play their first match against Delhi Daredevils Thursday at the Eden Gardens.

Knight Riders were granted a similar order by the court during the 3rd edition of the IPL in 2010.

The high Court March 12 (2010) had stayed a notice by WBPCB banning use of loudspeakers and firecrackers and restricting cheering in the stadium.

The team co-owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan was permitted the use of firecrackers within 90 decibel sound limit as also loudspeakers.

On Feb 24, 2010, WBPCB, citing the West Bengal Noise Regulation (Pollution and Control) Act, 2000, had issued a notice banning use of firecrackers, loudspeakers and also restricting cheering in the stadium.

The IPL begins April 4 with the opening match to be played in Chennai.