Power Cut at M Chinnaswamy Stadium Over Fire Safety Lapses: High Court Issues Stern Warning

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The iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is currently running on generator power after the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) disconnected its electricity supply.

The move was made in compliance with an order from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, citing the Karnataka State Cricket Association's (KSCA) failure to implement critical fire safety measures.

According to news agency ANI, BESCOM cut power to the stadium after receiving a letter on June 10, 2025, from the Director General of Fire and Emergency Services. The letter referred to an earlier advisory dated May 11, 2023, instructing KSCA to make necessary fire safety upgrades. When the required action was not taken, BESCOM issued a disconnection notice on June 12 and severed the supply later that day.

KSCA responded by moving the Karnataka High Court, challenging the action. At the hearing, Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav, presiding over the case, took serious note of the situation. He pointed out that BESCOM had continued providing electricity despite being aware of the safety violations.

"If you provide electricity without consulting the government, the court will not remain silent. The disaster that has already occurred is enough. Who will be responsible if another mishap occurs? If fire safety measures are not taken, let the stadium remain in darkness," Justice Yadav said during the proceedings.

KSCA's legal counsel told the court that they had filed an application on June 17 to challenge the notice and that BESCOM had restored power the same day following a formal request. However, BESCOM's counsel, Likhit, clarified that while supply had been resumed temporarily at the KSCA's behest, it would be disconnected again in compliance with government orders.

Justice Yadav underlined the importance of securing clearance from the Fire and Emergency Services Department before any restoration of power, noting: "Zero tolerance for risks" would be the court's approach going forward.

KSCA's lawyer sought court protection against further action by BESCOM or the fire department, but the bench refused to pass any interim relief. It reiterated that until the KSCA obtains fire safety clearance, no power supply should be restored.

The High Court has also served notices to BESCOM's Managing Director and Assistant Executive Engineer, along with the Director General of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on July 15.