RM Lodha Committee Seeks Five Months More to Propose Changes in BCCI's Governance
The RM Lodha panel was constituted by the Supreme Court in January to propose quantum of punishment for those involved in IPL betting and fixing scandal. The panel was also asked to suggest changes in BCCI's constitution.
The Supreme Court panel on IPL has moved the top court seeking five months more time submit its recommendations on restructuring, bringing transparency in Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI's) functioning.
The panel, headed by former Chief Justice of India Justice RM Lodha was set up the top court in January this year to determine the quantum of punishment to those involved in 2013 IPL match-fixing and betting scandal. The panel has suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for two years each.
When it formed the committee in January, the Supreme Court had given six months time to the Justice Lodha Panel. That deadline expired on Friday.
Justice Lodha Panel in its petition to the Supreme Court said: "It had interactions with players, coaches, umpires, commentators, lawyers, managers, franchise owners and journalists.... There have also been extensive interactions with the office bearers of the BCCI as well the various state associations. For a broad-based approach, sittings have been held in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata from April 2015 to June 2015. (Patiala House Court Drops All Charges Against Sreesanth and Co. in IPL Fixing Scam)
"The endeavour was somewhat limited with the absence of key cricket officials and players because of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the IPL season that followed shortly. Keeping in mind the nature of the mandate and the extensive studies and interactions to be conducted, the Committee anticipates that some more time will be required to complete the tasks assigned to it." (IPL spot-fixing scandal: Top 10 development)
Hence, the panel requested the court to grant five months more time so that it can submit its report by the end of this year. The Supreme Court is likely to hear this petition next week.
The panel was also asked to probe the role of Sundar Raman, former CEO of IPL. The panel in its petition has said that the probe is conducted by senior CBI officer Vivek Priyadarshi.