Rajasthan Cricket Association's election results on May 6 after Supreme Court directive

The Supreme Court on Wednesday cleared the way for announcement of results of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) in which the Lalit Modi faction has already claimed victory. The apex court however, also said that it is up to the Board of Control for Cricket in India to take whatever action it wants, as per rules and regulations. BCCI has been opposing Modi's return.

After numerous adjournments, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the election officer of RCA to open the ballot box and declare the results on May 6. It also said that in case of any dispute regarding the elections, the candidates "can approach appropriate forums".

BCCI and former RCA chief Kishore Rungta have been challenging the controversial Rajasthan Sports Act 2005 that enabled Modi to contest the December elections. Thirty-three units, affiliated to the RCA, voted on December 19. The elections were held under the supervision of two retired Supreme Court judges, NM Kasliwal and SP Pathak. The votes were submitted to the apex court in a sealed envelope. The Board says Modi's return will tarnish the image of Indian cricket.

Interestingly though, BCCI had already conceded 'defeat' in the RCA elections but has still been continuing to oppose Modi - the former IPL chairman - and his return as Rajasthan president.

Hell-bent on stopping Modi's return to cricket administration, BCCI lawyers have played almost every stroke in the book to stop the Supreme Court from making a decision. In a dramatic move on January 27, the BCCI's lawyers told a bench of Justices A.R. Dave and J.S. Kehar that Modi was a clear winner in the RCA elections having won "26 out of the 33 votes."