THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday ordered the business establishments at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi to shut down shops for the smooth conduct of the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in October.
It is reported that at least 236 shop owners have been asked to close down their shops from September 25 till October 28 till the event is over.
The High Court also ordered the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) to deposit a sum of Rs. 25 lakhs with government treasury, which will be used to pay compensation to the shop owners for loss in business and also compensate employees who work in these shops.
Six league matches and one pre-quarterfinal and quarterfinal each are scheduled to be held at the stadium.
According to the instructions passed by FIFA, GCDA had served notices to the shop owners to close the shutters from October 15 till the end of the tournament to fulfill the guarantee of security.
But seeking compensation, the shop owners had approached the High Court. (ANI)