Supreme Court warns BCCI heads of 'very serious consequences'

Acting BCCI president CK Khanna

The Supreme Court yesterday warned acting BCCI president CK Khanna, acting joint secretary Amitabh Choudhary and acting treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary of "very serious consequences", including contempt if they fail to provide their suggestions on the board's draft constitution in accordance with its judgement. The three office-bearers were present in court in pursuance to the showcause notices issued against them on August 23. Amicus curiae and senior advocate Gopal Subramanium informed the court that the officials were asking state associations not to implement the recommendations.

Acting BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary

Khanna, the leader
Khanna, dubbed as the proxy king of Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA), is learnt to have been leading the campaign. However, appearing before the apex court yesterday, facing contempt charges, Khanna was visibly shaken when he along with Amitabh and Anirudh were ordered to come forward to face the bench. "Despite the order, there is obstinate attitude and unnecessary interference from BCCI officials," Justice Dipak Misra said.

"Officebearers of the BCCI will fully cooperate with the Committee of Administrators and provide their suggestions. If they don't give suggestions in accordance with the Lodha committee recommendations, they will face serious consequences," the bench added. The three-member bench comprising AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud make the BCCI officials stand for 45 minutes in the centre of the court room No. 1.

Acting BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary

Comprehensive constitution
The bench said the draft constitution shall include the suggestions of the Justice Lodha committee in entirety so that a holistic document can be placed before it for a final decision. It also made it clear that suggestions from all stake holders - including Railways, Services and Universities - should be incorporated in the constitution. Senior advocate Parag Tripathi, appearing for the CoA, complained that the three officials were changing the entire game, as the stand taken by them was aimed at not implementing any of the recommendations of the Lodha panel. After brief deliberations, the bench passed the order making it clear that all stakeholders including the three office-bearers would give their suggestions in accordance with its judgements within three weeks for the purpose of drafting of the BCCI constitution.

Tripathi said the CoA has already prepared a draft constitution and handed it over to the parties, but only one of them have given suggestions on it. The bench made it clear that BCCI would not hold a general body meeting for the purpose of drafting the constitution. The court fixed the matter for hearing on October 30 and directed Khanna, Amitabh and Aniruddh to remain present before it.

With inputs from PTI

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