CHENNAI: Granting conditional nod to conduct the Formula 4 street car race around Island Grounds in Chennai, the Madras High Court said the event can be held only if the Federation International de I’Automobile (FIA) licence is obtained by 12 am on August 31 (Saturday).
“We also make it clear that if there is failure to obtain the FIA certificate/licence within the time stipulated, the event shall not be conducted as per the schedule,” the court said.
The first bench of Acting Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice PB Balaji also directed the government to ensure that the movement of patients and others at two major hospitals and the Central railway station around the area are not affected due to the race.
“As per the undertaking given before this court, the Formula 4 street race event shall be conducted on August 31 and September 1 as per the schedule subject to obtaining FIA certificate to be issued by the authority concerned and the same shall be obtained on or before 12 pm on August 31,” the bench ordered.
It directed the respondent authorities of the government to furnish the copy of the FIA certificate to the petitioner through email. Referring to unhindered traffic movement, the bench said the authorities shall ensure free flow of traffic in the diverted routes without causing any inconvenience to the patients and general public proceeding towards Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Government multi super specialty hospital at Omandurar estate and the Central railway station.
The bench adjourned the case by six weeks after directing the respondents to file a counter-affidavit.
The interim orders were passed on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad challenging the conduct of the race expressing apprehension over the safety and inconvenience caused to the commuters and general public.
Senior counsel V Ragavachari, appearing for the petitioner, said, “The right to transport and free movement is a fundamental right which cannot be deprived of ... Should the public suffer because of someone running the race.” Questioning the rationale behind spending taxpayers’ money for the race, he pointed out that the FIA licence has not been obtained so far.
Advocate General PS Raman, representing the government, assured the court that the event will not be held without obtaining the FIA licence. He said all precautionary measures would be taken to ensure safe conduct of the event without inconvenience to the public.
