Anil Kumble’s KSCA membership case adjourned to March 16

The district judge at Mayo Hall on Thursday adjourned a petition against former cricketer and president of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Anil Kumble, to March 16, challenging his membership in the association.

KSCA member, Ram Murthy had filed a suit on February 14 contending that the membership of Kumble is not in accordance with the rules of the KSCA and that he cannot function as its president. He had also contended that rules specify that a cricketer can become a member only after two years of his retirement from first class cricket.

Kumble through his counsel submitted before the judge on Thursday that a general body resolution is enough to make an amendment to the KSCA rules and the registrar's approval is not required.

In his petition, Murthy had contended that Kumble had retired in 2009, but could not become a member of the KSCA immediately. Simultaneously, the executive committee in February 2010 wanted to amend the bylaws to state that any cricketer can become a member.

The bylaw was approved by a special general body meeting on February 17, 2010. As per the Societies’ Registration Act, any bylaws amended needed to be approved by the registrar under the Karnataka Societies’ Registration Act. The KSCA submitted an application for approval in November 2010, which was rejected by the registrar. In view of the fact that it was rejected, the proposed amendment could not be carried out.

But even before the registrar's approval, Kumble was made a member in April 2010 itself.