New Delhi, Sept 21:
Taking note of their “obstinate behaviour”, the Supreme Court today warned three top BCCI officials of “very serious consequences”, including contempt, if they do not give suggestions on the board’s draft constitution in accordance with its judgement.
The apex court had on July 18 last year in its verdict accepted most of the recommendations of the Justice R M Lodha committee to reform the BCCI following charges of large-scale maladministration in the cash-rich cricket body.
It had approved Lodha panel recommendations such as one state-one vote, one member-one post and fixing an age-cap of 70 on those occupying BCCI posts. The top court had also asked Parliament and the Law Commission to mull over suggestions to bring the BCCI under the purview of Right to Transparency Act and legalise betting in cricket.
At the hearing today, the apex court expressed anguish over the “unnecessary attitude” of acting BCCI President C K Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary and treasurer Aniruddh Chaudhry, saying this has led to non-framing of the the amended BCCI constitution, despite the court’s order.
“If the aforesaid three office-bearers do not give suggestions in accordance with the judgement of this court, there shall be very serious consequences,” a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said.
The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said the draft constitution shall include the suggestions of the Justice R M Lodha committee in its entirety so that a holistic document can be placed before it for a final decision.
It also made it clear that the suggestions of all stake holders, including Railways, Services and universities, should be incorporated.
At the outset, the bench was furious that these office- bearers were not cooperating with the Committee of Administrators (CoA) headed by former CAG Vinod Rai in making of the draft constitution of the BCCI.
Senior advocate Parag Tripathi, appearing for the CoA, complained that the three officials were changing the entire game, as the stand taken by them was aimed at not implementing any of the recommendations of the Lodha panel, which also comprises former apex court judges, Justices Ashok Bhan and R V Raveendran.
The three office-bearers were present in the court in pursuance to the show cause notices issued against them on August 23.
“Because of their unnecessary attitude and obstinate behaviour, the amended constitution has not been framed. We will issue contempt. Despite our order, nothing was done,” the bench said when they marked their presence before it.
After brief deliberations, the bench passed the order making it clear that all stake holders including the three office-bearers would give their suggestions in accordance with its judgements within three weeks for the purpose of drafting of the BCCI constitution. (PTI)
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