SC suggests Srinivasan pick between BCCI and IPL

A bench of Justices JM Panchal and Gyan Sudha Mishra bluntly told Srinivasan, a presidential candidate for BCCI’s September 29 election, that he may either choose to contest the election or shed his role as owner of CSK.

“Our nagging question is: can you continue in dual capacity? That is the core issue. We are proceeding on the footing that you had a bar on any dual status before your blanket amendment was brought.

“We want to know what grave prejudice will be caused to you if we pass an order that you can either continue as the owner of the IPL team or contest the BCCI election,” Justice Sudha, speaking for the Bench, said.

The Bench hastened to add that it was only an observation and not a judgement. The apex court did not agree with Srinivasan’s senior counsel Mukul Rohtagi that there was nothing wrong in the administrator donning the role of the secretary, contesting the post of oresident and owning CSK.

“Then resign from BCCI and bid for the IPL. This can be equated with the office of profit. It is a crude explanation. We will give you a chance of the two. Whether you want to continue in the BCCI or involve yourself with the IPL and India Cements,” the Bench observed during the day-long arguments on former BCCI president AC Muthaiah’s petition challenging the amendment brought by the Board to allow its administarors to bid for IPC franchises.