TN government targets sports bodies

The Tamil Nadu Government has appropriated funds running to several lakhs from the bank accounts of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), Madras Cricket Club (MCC) and Madras Race Club (MRC) — all non-profit organisations — for non-payment of land rental [lease] arrears.

TNCA has approached the Madras High Court on government action.

In a shocking development, the Tamil Nadu Government has appropriated funds running to several lakhs from the bank accounts of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), Madras Cricket Club (MCC) and Madras Race Club (MRC) — all non-profit organisations — for non-payment of land rental [lease] arrears.

Challenging it, the TNCA approached the Madras High Court on Tuesday. The case is expected to come up for hearing on Wednesday.

“The Government had raised huge demands for lease rentals for back periods running to hundreds of lakhs from the TNCA, MCC, MRC and a few other clubs in the city.

“All the sports bodies have given a written communication to the Government stating that it is next to impossible to give such a big amount. We have explained that our revenue is only a fraction.

“On Monday, the Government attached the bank accounts of the TNCA, MCC and MRC. This is high-handed.

“The TNCA and MRC, being sports bodies which conduct events for the public, they [Government] just cannot calculate the lease amount taking into account the prevailing market rates. It is totally unfair and undemocratic,” said a source close to the development.

The source also wondered how the Government expects a voluntary body [like TNCA] to bear the expenses of the players’ accommodation, travel, and the salaries of the staff when bank accounts are appropriated.