IPL Scandal: Supreme Court Panel to Announce Quantum of Punishment on July 14

A three-judge committee - looking into allegations of spot-fixing in Indian Premier League - will pronounce its verdict on quantum of punishment against Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra on July 14. Appointed by the Supreme Court and headed by former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha, the panel will also give its verdict on punishment to IPL franchises Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals and it will be binding on all parties. (When Supreme Court found Meiyappan and Kundra guilty of being involved in betting)

The Supreme Court had appointed the powerful Lodha Commission on January 22 this year, the day it delivered its verdict on the IPL scam after almost 18 months of hearing. The July 14 verdict therefore is expected to be a landmark in the long-drawn case.

The panel was also constituted to study the BCCI constitution and streamline it. According to sources, the report on restructuring of the BCCI will take time for submission to court. The judges in the panel - in the course of their work - met numerous officials and players. In fact, the most 'interesting' observation that it made was when it met BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and found him too unwell to administer the Board. (Also read: When Lodha Committee put forth 80 questions to BCCI officials)

It's main responsibility though was to investigate the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. In March, the panel had issued showcause notices Meiyappan and Kundra - team officials of CSK and RR, seeking their reply on the quantum of punishment for betting during IPL matches in 2013. With the investigations complete, the Lodha Commission will now give its verdict - one that can have a deep impact on Indian cricket.

(With inputs from A. Vaidyanathan)