Justice Lodha Commission: BCCI accepts some suggestions, objects to many

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has accepted certain recommendations of Justice RM Lodha commission for restructuring of the cricket body but raised objections to many saying "implementation of which are likely to interfere with the good work being done on behalf of the BCCI and administration of cricket in India".

Regarding the panel's suggestion for appointment of an ombudsman, the BCCI has said "it amended its Rules and Regulations to provide for the appointment of an ombudsman at every annual general meeting to deal with complaints of conflict of interest and any act of indiscipline of misconduct or violation of any rules and regulations of BCCI by an administrator."

Filing its response to Lodha Commission suggestions before the Supreme Court, the BCCI said that to avoid the conflict of interest, it has formulated rules pursuant to which several persons have resigned from positions. As per the rules, every complaint shall be decided by the ombudsman in 30 days.

It claimed that measures were taken top revent match-fixing and spot-fixing by empowering its Anti-Corruption Unit and also to professionalise its management, the BCCI has accepted the two-tier structure.

The BCCI, however, raised objections to'one state, one vote'. It said "there are legal impediments to disen franchising or demoting existing full members as their vested rights of membership can't be adversely affected."

With regard to judicial panel's recommendation for drastic reduction in advertisements, the panel said it will have "crippling effect on financial health of the BCCI and adversely impact its ability to carry out its various programmes. Restricting ads only to drinks, lunch and tea breaks will substantially devalue the broadcast rights and cripple the income of BCCI as broadcasters will only pay a fraction of amount."

For inclusion of Comptroller andAuditor General of India's nominee on the management committee,BCCI said the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration (TNSR) Act, underwhich the body was registered, does not permit a non member to benominated in the managing committee.

Further raising objection to Justice Lodha committee's opinion for cooling off period for re-appointment of a member and also prohibition of ministers and government servants to hold any BCCI post, BCCI said the new provision will be against the TNSR Act.

Earlier, the Supreme Court has sent as tern message to BCCI asking it to "fall in line" with the recommendations of Justice Lodha Committee.

The court had said the recommendations are "straight, rational and understandable" and "deserve respect" and "there is no reason to disagree with the committee"which has the most "illuminated and respected members of the legal community".

Cricket Association of Bihar's secretary Aditya Verma has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking implementation of Lodha panel recomendation in BCCI. The matter will come up for hearing on Thursday.