Justice Lodha welcomes Supreme Court’s verdict
Reacting to the apex court order, Justice Lodha said “Once the recommendations were accepted by the court, it had be implemented. There were obstructions, there were impediments ... obviously this had to happen, and it has happened. The Supreme Court itself has ensured that its order of July 18, 2016 is now enforced. It’s victory for the game of cricket and it will flourish, administrators come and go, ultimately it is for the game. This decision will act like a template for all sports federations in India.”
In its order the apex court asked former Solicitor General of India Gopal Subramaniam and senior lawyer Fali Nariman to assist in selecting an observer for BCCI. The apex court has once again reiterated that all reforms suggested by Lodha panel have to be implemented in full. The reforms were made binding on the BCCI in July 2016, but the BCCI kept defying them.
In its latest status report the Lodha panel had sought a declaration that the present office bearers are disqualified to hold the posts. It said the recent events have shown that the directions of this Court have been ignored, actions have been taken to present a fait accompli to the Committee, the directives of the Committee have been breached, and member associations have not been duly intimated about the directions of the Committee and the timelines fixed by it.
Apart from the above clear transgressions, the BCCI has repeatedly taken steps to undermine the Committee and this court, warranting their removal.
The recommendations, which have still not been accepted by the BCCI include one-state one-vote, age limit of 70 years, cooling-off period of three years which included the tenure of the administrators, continue with the five-selectors and retaining the powers of the president and secretary as per the earlier constitution of the board.
On October 21, 2016 the apex court passed an order taking away the financial autonomy and asked Justice Lodha committee to appoint an independent auditor to scrutinise and audit the income received and expenditure incurred by BCCI and also to oversee the tendering process that will hereinafter be undertaken by BCCI.
It said any transfer of funds shall take place to the state associations which have accepted these terms only after compliance as above is effected.