SC appoints Retired Justice DK Jain as BCCI ombudsman; to preside over Rahul-Hardik matter

Earlier PS Narasimha was appointed as the new Amicus curiae.

Retd. SC judge DK Jain appointed as the BCCI ombudsman The Hon. Supreme Court of India appointed former justice DK Jain as the ombudsman who will look into disputes between state cricket associations in the Board of Control for Cricket in India and will also look into the controversy involving Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul.

A former chairman of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, DK Jain will also investigate the matters including allegations of misconduct against BCCI officials and will resume charge as soon as possible.

A bench comprising Justices SA Bobde and AM Sapre said, "We are happy that by consent of the parties and the suggestions, the name of retired Justice D K Jain has been agreed to be appointed as the ombudsman in the BCCI. We accordingly appoint Justice (retired) D K Jain as the first ombudsman in the BCCI."

Earlier, on Jan 17, the court had appointed PS Narasimha as the new Amicus curiae. There were differences of opinions with regards to the appointment of an ombudsman, as senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the BCCI, said that an ombudsman cannot be foisted on. He said the BCCI is a private and elected body.

Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) on the other hand, said it had no objection to the appointment of an ombudsman provided he was appointed by the Indian cricket board.

MCA lawyer accused BCCI of not releasing funds and are in grave difficulties. In response, the CoA lawyer pointed out that those state associations which are not complying with Justice Lodha reforms, would not receive any money from the board.  

CoA lawyer pointed out that an ombudsman is necessary and cited the delay in the handling of the Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul case. CoA lawyer also insisted that the two players can't return to playing cricket until the ombudsman decides their plea.

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were suspended from cricket after their controversial comments on chat show Koffee with Karan caused an uproar all over the nation.

COA also submitted its status report before the Supreme Court. They noted that once the draft constitution had been approved by the court, no amendments could be made by state associations. Also, not a single state association had made changes to their system according to RM Lodha recommendations which were approved by the Supreme Court in 2016.

(indiatoday.in inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 21 Feb, 2019

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