SC warns BCCI staff over draft constitution

The apex court expressed anguish over the "unnecessary attitude" of acting BCCI president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary and treasurer Aniruddh Chaudhry, saying it has led to the amended constitution of BCCI not being framed yet, despite the court's order.

"If the aforesaid three office-bearers do not give suggestions in accordance with the judgement of this court, there shall be very serious consequences," a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said.

The bench, comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said the draft constitution shall include the suggestions of the Justice R M Lodha committee in its entirety so that a holistic document can be placed before it for a final decision.

It also made it clear that the suggestions of all stake holders, including Railways, Services and universities, should be incorporated.

At the outset, the bench was furious that these office- bearers were not cooperating with the Committee of Administrators (CoA) headed by former CAG Vinod Rai in making of the draft constitution of the BCCI.

Senior advocate Parag Tripathi, appearing for the CoA, complained that the three officials were changing the entire game, as the stand taken by them was aimed at not implementing any of the recommendations of the Lodha panel, which also comprises former apex court judges, Justices Ashok Bhan and R V Raveendran. The three office-bearers were present in the court in pursuance to the show cause notices issued against them on August 23.

"Because of their unnecessary attitude and obstinate behaviour, the amended constitution has not been framed. We will issue contempt. Despite our order, nothing was done," the bench said when they marked their presence before it.