Cubbon Park Walkers urge Defence Ministry to take back Chinnaswamy Stadium land

The Cubbon Park Walkers Association in Bengaluru has urged the Union Defence Ministry to take back possession of the land currently occupied by M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The association has formally requested the cancellation of a 99-year lease granted in 1970 to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), arguing that the stadium’s presence and activities violate the original purpose of the Defence land.

Also read: Chinnaswamy Stampede: Centre’s intervention sought; will Chinnaswamy Stadium be relocated ?

In a formal appeal, the association has called for legal proceedings against the Karnataka government and the KSCA. It seeks to reassert the Defence Ministry’s ownership over both the stadium premises and the neighbouring police wireless station area. The group has also requested a permanent injunction to prevent any new construction or commercial activity on the land.

The association claims that using the land for high-profile cricket matches and related commercial operations is not only unlawful but also contrary to public interest. They contend that the land was never meant for such purposes.

The plea follows a tragic incident on June 4 during a felicitation event for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where a stampede outside the stadium claimed 11 lives. The chaotic crowd overflow damaged parts of Cubbon Park, prompting the association to file a police complaint. Video evidence submitted to authorities shows uprooted trees, broken park infrastructure, and destruction of ornamental plants, highlighting the environmental toll of overcrowding linked to stadium events.