Kalmadi, who was arrested and jailed in April last year but freed on bail in January, was told by a court that he could attend the ceremony if he provided a bond of one million rupees ($18,000).

“His participation (at the opening) can cause embarrassment to the country,” judges A. K. Sikri and Rajiv Sahai Endlaw said in their order.

“National interest is the prime concern,” the ruling added.

Kalmadi, who headed the organizing committee for the Delhi Commonwealth Games faced charges of conspiracy, forgery and abuse of power, because the Games was supposed to be an event that showcases India’s rise, but instead it was overshadowed by venue delays, poor construction and expenditure tripling to at least $6.0 billion.