SC sacks BCCI chief, secy for ignoring Lodha norms

Cricket not personal turf or fiefdom, says top court

The Supreme Court on Monday removed Board of Cricket Control in India president Anurag Thakur, saying he was obstructing reforms in cricket administration.

In its order, the court also removed BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, and said it would enforce an upper age limt of 70 years to hold office at the cricket body. Those attaining the age will have to demit office.

 Observing that “the turf of the cricket field is not a personal turf or fiefdom,” the court said no office-bearer of the BCCI or any state association could hold office in violation of the norms recommended by the Lodha committee.

 A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur also issued a notice to Anurag Thakur, asking him why he should not be proceeded against for making a “false statement” and “committing contempt of court”.

 “We have arrived at the conclusion that Thakur has by his actions and conduct rendered himself unfit for continuance as president of the BCCI,” the bench said.

 The court explained that Anurag Thakur had “obstructed and impeded” the implementation of its July 18 order approving the recommendations of the Justice R M Lodha committee.

 “His own version is that he has been ‘rendered totally incapable and without any authority’ to compel the members (state associations) to comply with the orders of this court. This is indicative of his having washed his hands of the duty and obligation to ensure compliance,” the bench, also comprising Justice A M Khanwilkar and Justice D Y Chandrachud, said.

Anurag Thakur was issued a notice of perjury for making a false statement about a letter he had sought from International Cricket Council president Shashank Manohar. In it, he had attempted to prove that BCCI’s registration would be jeopardised if the Lodha panel’s recommendation to appoint a nominee of the Comptroller and Auditor General was accepted.

While Anurag Thakur maintained that he had only sought a clarification, Manohar’s email response to the Lodha panel stated he had indeed asked for a letter with respect to the CAG’s nominee.