Sack entire BCCI top brass, Lodha panel tells Supreme Court

In a scathing report submitted to the apex court, the Supreme Court appointed Lodha panel told the apex court that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is stalling all attempts to reform and is resisting any move for change. The special panel appointed by the Supreme Court has further sought the ouster of the entire top brass. It has further recommended that an interim panel be appointed meanwhile to facillitate the reform process.

The panel through its report has communicated to the court that BCCI has been in complete disregard for Supreme Court directions and the committee's recommendations. The report points out that the reform moves pertaining to accounting, choice of selectors have been ignored by the BCCI. The cricket body is likely to conduct an AGM to consider changing the rules however, the Lodha Panel recommendations are binding on the BCCI. (Complete Lodha Panel recommendations)

A review petition filed by the BCCI is still pending at the apex court. The Supreme Court will take up the Lodha Panel report on hearing on October 6.

A clearly miffed Chief Justice of India observed that the BCCI cannot think that it is a law unto itself. "BCCI thinks itself a law unto itself, it seems will go to the extent of defying SC orders. We have no difficulty in passing orders to enforce orders. Don't appreciate such tactics by the BCCI its conduct is in poor taste," said a bench headed by CJI TS Thakur. The court also added that it has been anticipating such disregard by the BCCI and will ensure compliance.

The Supreme Court in a landmark judgment had declared BCCI as a public body discharging public functions. The court had further said that it must be open to the scrutiny of the CAG. The special panel appointed by the Supreme Court under the Chairmanship of Former CJI RM Lodha has recommended a slew of measures including barring of people holding public offices as being the BCCI office bearers. BCCI is yet to implement these reforms and has filed a review petition before the Supreme Court.

Here are some key observations made by the Supreme Court:

- BCCI thinks itself a law unto itself.

- BCCI it seems will go to the extent of defying SC orders.

- We have no difficulty in passing orders to enforce orders.

- Don't appreciate such tactics by the BCCI.

- Conduct of BCCI in poor taste.

- Had been anticipating such disregard being shown by the BCCI.