PIL challenges Modi getting BCCI top job

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Board of Cricket Control in India in response to a PIL challenging the appointment of Lalit Kumar Modi as BCCI vice-president.

The PIL, filed by a cricket fan Chandravardhan Parekh, alleged that Modi had been convicted of drug trafficking in 1985 in USA. The petition alleged that Modi was found guilty of carrying more than 400 gms of cocaine and charged with kidnapping and assault of Alexander Van Dyne in Durham County, North Carolina. The petition stated that it was the duty of BCCI to ensure that none of its administrative functionaries is involved in any illegal activity.

The petitioner has sought direction from the court to BCCI to remove Modi from the post of VP. The petition pointed out Modi, who is president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, is based in Modi Nagar, Punjab. It added that Section 15 of the Rajasthan Sports Registration, Recognition and Regulation of Association Act, which lays down the eligibility criteria for contesting elections, rules out participation of anyone with a criminal background.

Chief Justice Kshitij Vyas and Justice Abhay Oka directed BCCI to file its reply within four weeks. Denying the allegation, Modi’s lawyer Mehmood Abdi said BCCI knows about the matter. It has been taken up by the Rajasthan Cricket Association which found no merit in the charges.