Lodha tightens noose around BCCI
In a severe blow to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Supreme Court-appointed justice Lodha committee has in its third and latest status report suggested once again that the board’s office bearers should be removed and former home secretary G.K. Pillai be asked to oversee its operations.
The panel said that as an observer, Pillai should appoint auditors to vet the various contracts entered into by the BCCI including the media rights for future editions of the Indian Premier League. The Lodha report has suggested to the SC that all office-bearers of the BCCI as well as the state associations disqualified with immediate effect if they were in violation of approved criteria .
According to BCCI rules, office bearers include the president, secretary, joint secretary, treasurer and five vice-presidents. In other words, incumbent president and secretary Anurag Thakur and Ajay Shirke, are disqualified.
The Lodha committee, headed by former chief justice Rajendra Mal Lodha, was appointed by the Supreme Court to suggest reforms in the running of the BCCI.
The next hearing on the case comes up before the Supreme Court on December 5. For its part, the BCCI has stalled the full scope of reform suggested despite repeated censure by saying it was not possible to implement them in toto. They include an age and tenure cap for officials, and a one vote per state rule at BCCI elections.
Alongside suggesting Pillai’s name as an observer, the Lodha report has proposed that day to day administration be carried out by the current BCCI chief executive, Rahul — LODHA REPORT
Johri. The most recent status report was submitted in the Supreme Court on November 18 where it said that despite clear timelines implement recommendations approved by the court in July, the BCCI and state associations had continued to stall on implementing the suggestions.
Only four, Vidarbha, Tripura, Rajasthan and Hyderabad, said they would pit the recommendations in place so far. “Several office bearers at both the BCCI and the state associations continue to hold posts although they stand disqualified as per the order of this honourable court,” the status report said. “It is submitted that those individuals who fall foul of these norms be declared to cease to hold office forthwith.”
On the issue of an observer, it said, “While the day to day administration of the BCCI is presently carried out by the CEO and certain managers ... there would be a need to appoint an Observer who would guide the BCCI in its administration, particularly with reference to the award of contracts, transparency norms, audit, etc., for domestic, international and IPL to be played hereafter. “The committee recommends that G.K. Pillai, former Union Home Secretary be appointed as the observer, with a power to appoint auditor and all necessary secretarial staff, assistance and remuneration as may be determined appropriate by the committee.”
Several office bearers at both the BCCI and the state associations continue to hold posts although they stand disqualified as per the order of this honourable court. It is submitted that those individuals who fall foul of these norms be declared to cease to hold office forthwith.