Panel to guide BCCI through

The Supreme Court on Monday decided to appoint a committee of administrators to the BCCI for implementing the reforms suggested by the Lodha panel. A three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice T S Thakur reiterated its directive that a person shall be disqualified from being an office-bearer in the BCCI if -- he is not an Indian citizen, has turned 70, is a minister or a government servant, has been charged by a court of law in a criminal case, holds any office or post in a sports or athletic association or federation apart from cricket.

“Persons who have a vested interest in continuing in their positions inspite of the norms noted above have ensured that the writ of the court is obstructed and impeded,” the court observed. While removing BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke, the court directed that the senior-most vice-president would perform the job of BCCI head and joint secretary the duties of secretary.

Other office-bearers, however, can continue subject to their filing an undertaking within four weeks complying with the directions issued on July 18, 2016. After the appointment of administrators, the BCCI office-bearers would only function under their supervision and control, the court said.

 In this regard, the court-appointed senior advocate F S Nariman and amicus curiae Gopal Subramaniam to suggest “names of persons with integrity and experience in managing a similar enterprise” within two weeks. It posted the matter for further hearing on January 19.

However, sources said Nariman has sought to withdraw himself from the case due to personal reasons. “The committee of administrators would have the power to issue all appropriate directions to facilitate due supervision and control,” the court said.