In a significant blow to the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC), the Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court, consisting of the Chief Justice N J Anjaria and Hon`ble Judge Arvind, has halted the racing and betting operations of BTC. The court has stayed the Interim Order of the Single Judge, and prohibited BTC from conducting any racing or betting activities until the writ petition is resolved by the Single Judge. The next hearing is scheduled for August 13.

Earlier, Justice Krishna Kumar had provided temporary relief to BTC by reinstating its license to conduct racing and betting under the conditions that were in place as of March. BTC had prepared racing cards for events planned for Saturday and Sunday. However, the state government challenged this decision, arguing that the Single Judge had overstepped his authority, infringing upon the roles of the Finance Secretary and Home Secretary. The government maintained that the discretion to grant a license under the licensing act solely rested with them.

The Division Bench sided with the state government, suspending the Single Judge`s order and setting the next hearing for August 13, effectively cancelling the summer racing season.

BTC`s leadership has been plagued by mismanagement, especially evident during this crisis. Instead of negotiating a settlement after accusations of collusion in illegal betting, Chairman Aravind Raghavan and CEO M.K. Kiran, who were both charge-sheeted along with bookmakers, clung to their positions. Their refusal to resign despite fraud accusations has only worsened the situation. A complete resignation of the managing committee might have smoothed negotiations with the government, but instead, they focused on internal politics, such as re-employing retired attendants and favoring certain trainers to create special facilities.

The continued decline of BTC, exacerbated by the silence of senior members, has led to the current chaos. The halt of summer racing has severe repercussions for the racing industry in India, causing immense distress to stakeholders and leaving racing enthusiasts deeply disappointed by this disastrous outcome.

The BTC has not only failed itself but has also dragged down the entire racing industry with its arrogance and misguided belief in its own invincibility and lack of accountability. Corruption has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, remaining unchecked over the last decade, and has now culminated in this disaster. BTC`s delusion of having the power to fight the government, when their operations are entirely dependent on government approval, has led to this catastrophic outcome. This misguided defiance against the government, despite the necessity of its support, has proven to be the BTC`s undoing.