SC hearing on Lodha panel report deferred till December 9

The Supreme Court on Monday deferred till December 9 the hearing on a plea by the Justice Lodha panel for the ouster of all office-bearers of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its state associations while also suggesting the appointment of former Home Secretary G.K. Pillai as an observer in the apex cricket body.

The bench of Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud deferred the hearing on the third status report filed by Justice Lodha panel as it adjourned the hearing because Chief Justice T.S.Thakur, who heads the bench was on leave.

In the status report that was filed to the court on November 21, the panel sought that Pillai be appointed as observer with power to appoint an auditor, and guide the BCCI administration, particularly on the award of contracts and transparency.

The Lodha panel has pointed to "continued non-compliance by the office-bearers of the BCCI".

"Direct and declare that all office-bearers of the BCCI and the state associations who are disqualified by virtue of the norms at Para 4 (above 70, Minister or government servant, holding a post in any other sports body, has been a BCCI office-bearer for a cumulative period of nine years or has been charged by a court for criminal offence) above cease to hold office forthwith," the Lodha panel has said in its report that was to be considered by the apex court.