LODHA’S COMPLAINTS

BCCI

appoints selectors, retains secretary, names ICC representatives at annual meet despite Lodha panel order to stick to ‘routine matters’

NAMES

two first-class players in selection panel, Lodha wanted Test cricketers

FAILS

to deliver ‘second status pleaded that all decisions taken by the BCCI found contrary to the court’s main judgment of July 18 be declared “non-est and ineffective”.

Justice Thakur took strong exception to these instances of breach and cautioned the Board against adverse orders. “These are serious allegations... BCCI has to follow directions of the court. BCCI, it seems, will go to the extent of defying court orders. We had been anticipating such disregard from the Board. We don’t appreciate such tactics by the BCCI. We have no difficulty in passing orders to make sure our previous orders are implemented,” said the CJI.

Meanwhile, senior lawyer Arvind Datar, who had appeared in the batch of matters relating to the BCCI but was present in court for some other matter, walked to the front as the CJI took up the matter. Datar claimed that the BCCI had complied with most of the directions and that they would gradually comply with the rest.

But the CJI said: “BCCI is bringing the system to disrepute by not following the directions... Law cannot be defied. We are not happy about the way things are going on. You will have to fall in line with the directions of the court.”

The bench has now posted the matter for hearing on October 6, when it will examine the BCCI’S response to the Lodha panel’s contentions.

By its verdict on July 18, the Supreme Court had accepted most of the major recommendations of the Lodha panel, headed by former CJI R M Lodha. It had ruled that no minister and civil servant can become a member in the BCCI and that any such member stands disqualified now.