FIFA U-17 World Cup: Kerala HC orders businesses in Kochi Stadium to shut down. But why?

The Kerala HC has asked the business establishments in the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium to shut shop by September 25 This, the court said, is for the smooth conduct of the FIFA U-17 World Cup matches to be held in October This will be the first FIFA tournament hosted by India

India will host the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and Kerala High Court is taking every step to ensure that the matches in the state go on smoothly.

The Kerala HC has asked the business establishments in the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium to shut shop by September 25 for the smooth conduct of the FIFA U-17 World Cup matches to be held in October.

The High Court also ordered the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) to deposit a sum of Rs. 25 lakhs with government treasury, which will be used to pay compensation to at least 236 shop owners for loss in business and also compensate employees who work in these shops. 

The shops will be closed from September 25 till October 28. The World Cup is slated to start on October 6. This will be the first FIFA tournament hosted by India.

Six league matches and one pre-quarterfinal and quarterfinal each are scheduled to be held at the Kochi stadium.

A two-member committee headed by a person holding the powers of a district judge will be set up and all the shop owners will take their estimated losses to the committee.

The court pointed out that if any shop owner is unhappy with the compensation amount, then they are free to approach the civil court, reported Manorama.