Accept Lodha report, fall in line: SC to BCCI

Supreme Court described Justice R.M. Lodha Committee report of BCCI as “straightforward, rational and understandable”, it sternly advised the cricket body to “fall in line” with the recommendations and save itself from further trouble.

SC said recommendations deserve respect because they have  come from the most respected members of the legal community and also they have done extensive deliberations with all stakeholders.

Recommendations:

* One association of each state will be a full member and have right to vote. One unit should represent one state.

* Committee suggested the restructuring of the BCCI’s administrative set-up, proposing the position of a CEO accountable to a nine-member apex council. An apex council for the BCCI comprising 9 members, of which 5 should be elected, 2 should be representatives of players association, and one woman. CEO to be assisted by 6 professional managers and the team of CEO and managers will be accountable to the apex council.

* It is important to bring the body under the purview of the Right to Information Act to ensure transparency in its functioning.

* The committee recommended the institution of the office of an Ethics Officer, who would be responsible for resolving issues related to the conflict of interest. Ethics officer would be a former High Court judge.

* The committee had also suggested the appointment of an Electoral Officer to conduct the Board elections. The electoral officer would oversee the entire election process relating to the office-bearers namely, preparation of voters list, publication, dispute about eligibility of the office-bearers

* It had also proposed an Ombudsman for dealing with internal conflicts. Ombudsman can take cognisance of complaints suo moto, or received complaint or referred complaint by the apex council.

* Important remark in the recommendation is that a person cannot be a BCCI office-bearer and also a state association office-bearer at the same time.