MP HC admits plea against Sachin’s Bharat Ratna

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has admitted a petition seeking stripping of the Bharat Ratna awarded to cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar for allegedly using the "fame" of the honour in "earning money by endorsing commercial products".

A high court bench comprising Chief Justice A M Khanwilkar and Justice K K Trivedi yesterday issued a directive to Assistant Solicitor General to find out if there are any Supreme Court guidelines (do's and dont's) for Bharat Ratna awardees and get back to it in a week's time.

The petitioner V K <g data-gr-id="15">Naswah</g>, a resident of Bhopal, stated that Sachin is a popular figure as has accomplished many a world record in the game of cricket for the country.

Naswah accused Sachin of exploiting the "fame" of the highest civilian award to promote commercial products and earn money which he said was against the dignity, legacy, and tenets of the highest civilian award. Naswah said that Sachin should return the award on moral ground and if he fails to do so the central government should strip him of the honour. Sachin recommends more than 12 brands including Aviva Life Insurance, Boost (malt-based nutrition drink), MRF, Luminous and realtor Amit Enterprises. He retired from all forms of cricket last November.