Jaipur: A cricket match held in Jaipur on May 19 has sparked an unexpected controversy involving VIP pass distribution, judicial protocol and administrative handling, leading to widespread discussion in political and judicial circles across Rajasthan.
According to sources, several judges of the Rajasthan High Court reportedly refused to accept VIP passes for the match after alleged irregularities in the distribution process. The issue is being viewed within judicial circles as one connected to institutional protocol and official respect rather than merely access to a sporting event.
Sources stated that it has long been a tradition in Rajasthan for senior members of the judiciary, constitutional authorities and top government officials to receive high-category VIP passes during major cricket matches held in Jaipur or Jodhpur. However, this time, several judges and senior officials allegedly did not receive passes on time.
It is further alleged that passes delivered later in the evening were of a lower category than those traditionally provided to constitutional authorities and senior judicial members. This reportedly led to dissatisfaction among members of the judiciary.
According to sources, some judges declined to accept the passes altogether, while officials who reached judges’ residences with passes shortly before the match were allegedly turned back.
The developments triggered significant discussion in administrative and judicial circles, with many reportedly viewing the matter as a lapse in protocol management and coordination.
Meanwhile, strict security and traffic enforcement measures were simultaneously underway around Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium during the match.
The administration had deployed three mobile courts near the stadium. Police and magistrate teams carried out extensive checks of VIP and general vehicles before the start of the match.
Action was reportedly taken against vehicles carrying illegal red beacons, unauthorized government markings, black-tinted windows, missing documentation and unlawful modifications. Sources claimed that more than two dozen vehicles were challaned during the operation, including some allegedly linked to VIPs and public representatives.
In another incident that drew attention, a state minister’s vehicle was also reportedly stopped during the checking drive. Eyewitnesses stated that police questioned the driver while the minister stepped out of the vehicle and proceeded on foot.
As reports of the VIP pass controversy and the enforcement drive spread, discussions intensified in government, judicial and political circles. Sources indicated that efforts were later made to manage the situation and contain the fallout, though the issue had already become widely discussed by then.
While some observers have termed the episode a major protocol lapse, others have described it as a case of poor coordination. However, no official statement has yet been issued by either the government or the judiciary regarding the controversy.