Karnataka: Chinnaswamy Stadium's electricity cut off for not following rules; High Court reprimanded BESCOM

The bench remarked that BESCOM continued to supply power despite knowing that KSCA had not complied with the rules. BESCOM's counsel, Likhit, informed the court that the power was restored at KSCA’s request and warned it could be disconnected again. The bench then emphasized that the government should issue a fire safety clearance letter. "If you provide power without consulting the government, the court will not remain silent," the bench stated. "Whatever mishaps have occurred so far are enough. Who will be responsible if another accident happens? If fire safety measures aren’t taken, let the stadium stay in darkness. Implementing fire safety measures is the only way to restore power. There must be zero tolerance for risks."

The KSCA counsel argued that appropriate steps are being taken and requested that BESCOM and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services be instructed not to take any further action. The bench responded, 'The court will not say anything further in this matter. BESCOM's counsel has given a verbal assurance they will disconnect the power, but only after consulting the government. If the government instructs otherwise, it will be done. Otherwise, BESCOM will be held responsible."

The Director General of the Department of Fire Safety and Emergency Services had issued an order to the BESCOM Managing Director on June 10, 2025, directing that power supply to KSCA be halted since July 7, 2011, due to negligence in implementing fire safety measures recommended in the department's consultation paper of May 11, 2023. Following this, BESCOM issued a disconnection notice to KSCA on June 12.