HC upholds HCA polls

The Hyderabad High Court on Thursday cleared way for declaration of results of the election conducted for the managing committee of the Hyderabad Cricket Association by dismissing a batch writs and civil revision petitions challenging a lower court order granted for conducting elections to the HCA.

Justice S. V. Bhatt while dismissing petitions upheld the lower court order for holding the elections by appointing the advocate commissioner on December 23, 2016 by pointing out that the challenge to the order of civil court ordering elections cannot be found fault with.

Though the elections were held on January 17, 2017, results were not declared due to an interim order on January 11, 2017 granted by the High Court directing the returning officer not to declare the results till final orders. Justice Bhatt vacated the interim order by directing declaration of results.

Shesh Narayan, president of Bharath Cricket Club, had moved the lower court requesting implementation of Lodha Committee recommendations and conduct of elections to the HCA. Later, he was elected unanimously as HCA secretary.

The petitioners — including John Manoj, secretary of HCA; former captain of Indian cricket team Mohammad Azahruddin and others who opposed elections — contended that Shesh Narayan has mislead the lower court and got order for holding elections to the HCA.

The ballot boxes, which are currently in the custody of Uppal Police, will be opened now. Counting of votes is likely to be over by noon on Friday.

Results to HCA elections held on January 17 were not declared due to an interim order granted by the High Court. Justice Bhatt vacated the interim order by directing declaration of results.