Anurag Thakur has been removed as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president in a Supreme Court verdict on Monday. Thakur faces charges of perjury for asking the International Cricket Council (ICC) to interfere in the ongoing tussle between the BCCI and the Lodha committee regarding the implementation of the recommended reforms in Indian cricket.
Ajay Shirke has also been removed as secretary of the BCCI. “I am not aware of the judgement. I have no issues if I have been removed,” Shirke told a news channel.
> Lodha Panel v BCCI: A timeline
> Read: Shirke 'completely fine' with removal as BCCI secretary
The order stated: "Firstly, he (Anurag Thakur) has obstructed and impeded the implementation of the directions contained in the judgment and order of this Court dated 18 July 2016. His own version is that he has been “rendered totally incapable and without any authority” to compel the members to comply with the orders of this Court. This is indicative of his having washed his hands off a duty and obligation to ensure compliance.
"Secondly, we are prima facie of the view that Mr. Thakur is liable to be proceeded with for contempt of court for having obstructed and impeded the orders of this Court. Thirdly, prima facie we are of the view that Mr Thakur has made statements on affidavit before this Court which are false to his knowledge. A notice to show cause should be issued to Mr. Thakur why he should not be proceeded with under Section 195 read with Section 340 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for having made false statements before this Court."
The order, authored by Justice Chandrachud, fully supported the Justice Lodha panel recommendation to oust BCCI office-bearers and administrators of affiliated State associations who are above 70-years-old, who are insolvent, government ministers and servants, office-bearers of other sports and athletic associations, those who have already enjoyed a cumulative period of nine years at the BCCI helm and those charged with criminal offences.
> Lodha Committee recommendations: All that you need to know
The court held that a committee of administrators would be appointed to run the BCCI on administrators daily basis. The Bench sought "objective assistance" from senior advocate Fali Nariman and amicus curiae and senior advocate Gopal Subramanium to choose persons of experience and integrity for the committee.
Meanwhile, till the committee is formed, the court ordered the senior-most vice-president of the BCCI to take over as president and the joint secretary to replace him .
All office bearers of BCCI and State associations have to give an undertaking to abide by recommendations of the Lodha committee, according to Supreme Court's order. Those office bearers and State associations who refuse to obey the implementation of reforms will have to demit office forthwith.
“Nobody can escape the verdict from the highest law of the land. It is victory for the game of cricket,” Justice R. M. Lodha told reporters.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 19.
The BCCI has refused to implement the reforms in totality despite an order by the Supreme Court in July last year that made it compulsory for the board to do so. According to Manohar, in a communication with the Lodha committee, Thakur had requested him to issue a letter stating the imposition of Comptroller and Auditor General nominee on the BCCI apex council was 'government interference', but Thakur has denied this in the court.
> Read the full version of the Lodha Committee Report
The Lodha Committee report in parts
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