Srini’s daughter in conflict of interest
Tamil Nadu Cricket Association president Rupa Gurunath has been found guilty of conflict of interest. The BCCI’s Ethics Officer Justice D. K. Jain, in his order on Tuesday, upheld a complaint made by Sanjeev Gupta. Rupa is the daughter of former BCCI chief N. Srinivasan.
Gupta, a former life member of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, had alleged that Rupa was occupying more than one position, contrary to the Board rules. Rupa is the president of TNCA and also a whole-time director of India Cements Limited, the company which owns Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd (CSKCL).
According to Gupta, all seven directors of CSKCL sit as directors on the subsidiary companies of India Cements, thus “giving rise to an instance of conflict” against Rupa.
Justice Jain, in his order, said Rupa “has an indirect interest (if not direct) in CSKCL which has entered into a contract with BCCI.”
“All these facts go on to show that a circuitous web of entities, including CSKCL has been created under the umbrella of
ICL. The management and governance of all such entities directly or indirectly lies in the hands of the board of ICL, notwithstanding the defence pleaded that ICL has no stake in CSKCL.
“In the given factual scenario, it can be safely inferred that the respondent (Rupa), in her capacity as the whole time director and promoter of ICL, has close associations with the trustees of IC Shareholders Trust and the Directors of CSKCL, which has a franchise agreement with the BCCI. This is one of the recognised forms of conflict of interest,” the order said.
“ICL, CSKCL, IC Shareholders Trust, subsidiary companies of ICL, IC Capital, all share the same official address and ICL has been one of the sponsors of CSKL franchise Chennai Super Kings,” the order added.
The Ethics Officer also said the BCCI shall requisite steps in accordance with law to ensure due compliance. Thus, Rupa has to relinquish one of the posts. TNCA sources, however, said Rupa is likely to appeal against the order in a court of law.