The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the business establishments operating at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi to close down shops between September 25 and October 25 for the smooth conduct of FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The Bench also directed the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) to deposit Rs. 25 lakhs with the Government treasury, which would be used to pay compensation to the shop owners for loss in business and also pay wages to the employees who work in these shops. The evacuation is directed as per the strict security guidelines issued by FIFA.

Earlier, traders had approached the Court against the GCDA instructions to evacuate the stadium ahead of the world cup. The Court pulled up the GCDA why was it too late to give the notice when they got two years time to prepare for the event.

The traders should submit details of their loss before a two-member panel, which would decide on the amount to be paid to them as compensation. “If the traders find the compensation amount low, they can approach the civil court,” the High Court said.