Messi Event Chaos: Court Refuses to Halt Probe, Rejects Plea for CBI Inquiry

The Calcutta High Court declined to grant any interim relief or order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the chaos that unfolded during football icon Lionel Messi’s recent visit to Kolkata, saying there was no reason at this stage to interfere with the ongoing investigations.

 

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen observed that both the police investigation and the enquiry being conducted by a former High Court judge were still at a preliminary stage. The court noted that no material had been placed before it to show that either the investigation or the enquiry was vitiated.

 

“Hence, at this stage, we are not inclined to interfere and stay the investigation/enquiry,” the Bench said in its interim order.

 

The court also referred to the State government’s decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT), reiterating the settled legal position that investigation is the statutory right of the police. It held that a probe cannot be transferred to the CBI merely at the asking of a party.

 

“It could not be established that members of the SIT had any interest in the event in question and, for this reason also, we are not inclined to interfere with the investigation at this stage. It is trite law that investigation or enquiry cannot be directed to be transferred to the CBI or any other agency merely because allegations have been levelled,” the court said.

 

On the appointment of an enquiry committee, the Bench observed that Section 11 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1952 confers wide powers on the State government to constitute such a body.

 

“Prima facie, we are unable to hold that the appointment of the enquiry committee by the said Gazette notification is bad in law. On this ground as well, the question of granting interim relief does not arise,” the court added.

 

The observations were made while hearing petitions seeking an impartial and court-monitored probe into the December 13 incident at the Salt Lake Stadium, where unrest broke out during Messi’s appearance.

 

According to media reports, angry fans vandalised seats and hurled objects towards the pitch after failing to get a clear glimpse of the football star despite paying substantial entry fees. The BBC reported that Messi’s brief walk around the pitch was obscured by a large group of officials and celebrities, and that parts of the crowd turned hostile after he was escorted away by security after around 20 minutes.

 

The State government has since constituted an enquiry committee headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, while an SIT comprising four IPS officers is investigating the criminal case registered in connection with the incident.

 

Among the petitioners is Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari, who alleged grave administrative failure, State complicity and a breakdown of constitutional governance in relation to the high-profile event held at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

 

Although the event was projected as a private initiative, Adhikari claimed it was conducted with active involvement of the State and its instrumentalities, citing the deployment of State police, use of public infrastructure and preferential access granted to political functionaries, dignitaries and celebrities at the cost of ordinary ticket-holders.

 

He sought a probe by an impartial SIT under the supervision of a High Court judge, along with directions for refunds to spectators and compensation for the alleged harassment caused to them.

 

In a similar petition, social worker Mayukh Biswas sought investigations by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against the event organiser, Satadru Dutta, and two West Bengal ministers.

 

The court rejected the petitioners’ prayers for interim relief and listed the matter for further hearing on February 16, 2026. It, however, issued notices to the State government and the event organiser, directing them to file their affidavits in opposition within four weeks, with replies to be filed within two weeks thereafter.

 

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