New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday reiterated that the BCCI must accept the recommendations of Justice Lodha panel saying the Board needs a surgery to cure itself of the disease.
A Bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice Ibrahim Kalifulla did not accept the arguments of senior counsel Arvind P. Datar, appearing for Tamil Nadu Cricket Association that BCCI and its affiliates cannot be compelled to follow Justice Lodha panel recommendations as they are contrary to the provisions of the Societies Act under which the Board is incorporated.
Referring to Mr Datar’s opposition to the suggestion restricting the age of office bearers to 70, the CJI said it is now time for youngsters to take over the reins of administration. Mr Datar said while appointment of a CEO and Ombudsamn can be implemented the age restriction cannot be implemented as it is not feasible.
When counsel said “when there is a tumour in the body, cure can be only for the tumour and not for the whole body”, the CJI said “Sometimes surgery is needed.
The panel of doctors (Lodha panel) have diagnosed the disease and suggested cure for better administration and transparency. The whole idea is about reforms meant for purity and discharge of the trust.” When counsel said court cannot frame any regulations, the CJI said “Age restriction will remain till Parliament fixes any age limit.”
Counsel also said the suggestion that there should be no advertisement in between overs and advertisements should be telecast only during lunch or tea breaks was not feasible as court cannot go into the contracts between board and the broadcaster. The CJI said a person watching cricket in his home is entitled to view the match uninterrupted and there is nothing wrong in the suggestion. The arguments would resume on May 2.
