Bengaluru: The High Court of Karnataka on Monday asked the State government to consider the possibility of allowing races at Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) during the current season under the supervision of a committee, similar to the one that is constituted by the apex court in Board of Control for Cricket in India, to be appointed specially for this purpose.
Justice A.S. Bopanna, hearing petitions filed by BTC, the owners of race horses, the BTC Staff Association and others, asked the State Advocate-General to get the instruction from the government on allowing races under the committee’s supervision.
The BTC and others have sought a direction from the court to the government to renew the racing licence for holding winter races. Further hearing on the petitions has been adjourned till December 12.
Earlier, senior counsel S.S. Naganand, appearing for BTC, said non-renewal of licence has resulted in loss of revenue not only to the government, but has caused severe financial hardship to the club, its employees and others who are depending on racing activities for their livelihood.
