The High Court of Karnataka has stayed the Karnataka government's order (June 6), rejecting license application filed by the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) seeking license to conduct racing operations at the premier racing Club. The favourable interim order was a big relief to the club and all the professionals and stake holders in the game. The court also permitted the BTC to conduct racing and betting including off-course betting of racing at all the other premier racing centres as per the schedule of racing submitted to the government along with its application seeking license, and by adhering to the provisions of the law and the conditions framed by the government in its earlier licence granted for the races conducted in the the winter season (March). Justice Krishna Kumar in the interim order stated that the state government is at liberty to monitor and regulate racing operations when required.

The Karnataka government had suspended BTC's licence on April 1 and that caused significant losses to the stake holders particularly the owners who have invested big in the game. The government contested that there was a definite violation of the conditions of licence. The Government authorities cited the chargesheet filed against a sizeable number of bookmakers for evading tax payments and illegally collecting betting amounts in the premises ot the club on all race days. and further investigation being carried out by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Bengaluru in this regard. 

BTC  approached the court on May 20 complaining non-consideration of its application for licence by the government. The legal counsel of the club pointed out that though CCB was conducting investigation since Jan 2024, the ;licence was granted to run racing activities in the winter season till the end of March 2024. The Court then directed the government to take a decision by June 6. The Finance and Home departments in their separate orders passed on June 6, rejected the applications citing criminal cases against a couple of individuals connected with the club and the bookmakers. The BTC then quickly filed an amended petition challenging the legality of the rejection.

The Karnataka Trainers Association (KTA) and the Karnataka Racehorse Owners Association (KROA) also filed petitions contending that the government's decision to stop licence was a body blow to owners, trainers, jockeys, syces connected with the profession. Their livelihood was at stake and they were totally dependant on the racing activities. BTC too argued that mere filing of chargesheets should not stop the entire operations of the sport. 

The government next contended that it had the prerogative to grant or deny licence under the Mysore Race Course Licensing rules (1952). However, Justice Krishna Kumar after arguments to the relief of the racing club passed an interim order, allowing BTC to resume its racing and betting operations.

It is learnt that the petitioners understandably have filed a caveat in anticipation of the government appealing to the Division Bench.