With restrictions, Madras HC permits a Formula 4 nighttime street race in Chennai

CHENNAI: The state government was given conditional permission by the Madras High Court on Monday to hold the Formula 4 night street race in Chennai. In addressing a writ petition that was filed in opposition to the event, the court ordered the state administration to provide the utmost level of public safety and prevent public discomfort.

An MOU was previously signed by the state government and Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL) to host the Indian Racing League night street race and Formula 4 Indian Championship in Chennai in December 2023.

Additionally, the government had approved Rs 42 crore for the event’s organization. Originally, the event was scheduled for December 8–10. However, due to Cyclone Michaung, which struck Chennai, the event had to be postponed.

In the meanwhile, the Madras High Court received a number of writ petitions objecting to the event. The petitioner said that planning such an event in the middle of Chennai would be inconvenient and dangerous for everyone’s safety.

A similar dispute arose over the expenditure of Rs 42 crore from the public coffers to support a private company.

The petitioners contended that the Irungattukottai racetrack, which is currently in use, could host such events. Additionally, the petitioners’ attorneys argued in court that, contrary to the state’s assertions, there is no public interest since the event benefits a private organization like the RPPL.

The state government, on the other hand, fiercely contested the court petitions, claiming that planning any athletic event is a government policy and that the required permissions were received from the relevant agencies.

After hearing from all parties, the high court division bench consisting of Justices R Mahadevan and Mohammed Shaffiq reserved the case’s verdict.

The government was given conditional authorization to continue with the racing event in the Monday’s verdict. The court found that the state could only enable the event and ordered the RPPL to refund the Rs 42 crore that the government had spent on the event, while maintaining the state government’s policy choice to organize it.

According to the ruling, “RPPL or anybody else should ensure that they deposit in advance the stipulated expenditure of Rs 15 crore for the upcoming two years for holding the street circuit in Chennai.”