SC appoints Justice Jain as ombudsman in BCCI

The Supreme Court on Thursday appointed Justice D K Jain, former top court judge, as the first ombudsman in the BCCI to resolve issues among various associations and to deal with misconduct and violations of rules by players and others.

The top court, which cautioned the Committee of Administrators for their open sparring, also decided to appoint another member, Lt Gen Ravi Thodge, to the panel led by former Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai.

A bench of Justices S A Bobde and Abhay Manohar Sapre selected Justice Jain for the post on a suggestion made by amicus curiae senior advocate P S Narasimha.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for state associations, who initially maintained it was a job of the BCCI, agreed to the Justice Jain's name.

The court-appointed ombudsman under Article 40 chapter 9 of the BCCI Constitution approved by the top court on August 9, 2018.

"He would assume charge as early as possible. Amicus curiae would settle the terms," the bench said.

The court also expressed its concern on "sparring" in the CoA of the BCCI. The CoA, which was formed with the four-member body, to manage the BCCI, has been reduced to two member strength with Rai and Diana Edulji after the resignation of Ramachandra Guha and Vikrama Limaye.

"We have been hearing some sparring is going on. Is it correct? We thought we would request amicus to say not to bring it in public. Please see it doesn't happen. They are going in public," the bench said.

The bench, in its order passed in the chamber, appointed Lt Gen Thodge in the CoA.

"We can do it in chambers," the bench said.

During the hearing, state associations, including of Kerala, represented by senior advocate K V Vishwanathan, complained to the court that the money was not being released to them.

"As long as cricket is going on, we are not bothered," the court said, asking the CoA to look into it.

Meanwhile, BJP MP and former BCCI president Anurag Thakur sought modification of the order, keeping him away from the cricket administration.

The court sought a response from the CoA and amicus curiae on his plea.