Kochi: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has sought an explanation from local organisers following reports that only 29,000 spectators were being allowed to enter the Kaloor Jawaharlal Nehru stadium to watch Under-17 World Cup matches, though the stadium has a much higher capacity. Commission acting chairman P. Mohandas also expressed displeasure over complaints of spectators about the shortage of drinking water inside and exorbitant prices for food.
The commission in its order issued on Monday sought reports from the district collector, nodal officer for the FIFA event, and the city police commissioner in ten days. It sought to know why thousands of football lovers were denied the opportunity to watch the matches. “Thousands of seats in the stadium remained vacant which is illegal and encroachment on the right to watch the game,” the order stated.
It also directed the authorities to ensure free availability of drinking water inside the stadium. “Packaged drinking water was charged up to Rs 90 while soft drinks were sold at as high as Rs 300. Organisers have the responsibility to ensure that things were sold at the maximum retail price,” it asked. The order also directed the food safety commissioner to deploy enough officials inside to ensure that food items were sold at reasonable prices.
