Plea against Indian cricket team's Australia tour referred to division of bench of Madras HC

MADURAI: A single judge of the Madras high court on Friday referred to a division bench a petition that sought stay on Indian cricket team’s participation in matches in Australia in the wake of the tragic death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes.
K Praveen Kumar of Pudukottai filed the petition in the Madurai bench of the Madras high court stating that four deaths, caused by cricket balls, had been recorded since 1870.
Despite the present precautions like the helmet and rib pads, cricketers have lost their lives after being hit by balls. Therefore, the ministry of culture, youth and sports affairs should reconsider allowing Indians to participate in national and international cricket matches, the petitioner said.
The petitioner also sought the court’s interim injunction restraining the Indian cricket team from touring Australia until the ministry envisages adequate safety measures.
On Friday, Justice M Venugopal said the single judge could not hear the petition and directed the registry to refer it to a division bench.